Riding the crest of two straight impressive wins, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters look to seize full control when they gun for a crucial 3-1 series lead against the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters tonight in the 40th PBA Commissioner’s Cup Best-of-Seven Finals at the Araneta Coliseum.
With their offense running like a well-oiled machine, the Elasto Painters dominated Talk ‘N Text in the last two games of the series, going up two games to one after a faulty start.
Talk ‘N Text won Game 1, 99-92, but Rain or Shine came up with a gallant stand in Game 2, erasing a 17-point first half deficit to win, 116-108. The Elasto Painters never slowed down in Game 3, leading from start to finish to chalk up a convincing 109-97 victory.
“We had anticipated some things they might do (in Game Three). Pero di nila ipinakita so we just kept our game plan in the warehouse,” Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao said. “We’ll probably make use of it based on the kind of defense they will play in Game Four.”
Defense has been the problem for Talk ‘N Text in the last two games, according to Talk ‘N Text head coach Jong Uichico.
“It’s the same as the last game. We gave them too many points,” Uichico said.
Even Guiao noticed that the Texters weren’t adjusting on defense.
“So we kept doing what’s working for us. Kung ano ang uubra para sa amin, yon pa rin ang ginawa namin,” Guiao added.
Paul Lee typified Rain or Shine’s resiliency in those two victories as the shifty guard lost a front tooth after receiving an elbow from Talk ‘N Text import Ivan Johnson on defense.
“Kahit ano ang mangyari, I will come back. Gusto kong manalo,” said Lee. (Whatever happens, I will come back. I want to win.)