For the multi-titled mentor entering such a crucial contest coming off a loss is a lot harder than coming into a Game 7 after a win in Game 6 – which logically gives that team the momentum and the boost in morale.
Playing Game 7 off a loss a lot harder, says Cone
Mar 27, 2025 01:42 PM
At a glance
On surface, it seemed like TNT and Ginebra, with the series tied at 3-3, are entering Game 7 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals on equal footing.
Kings head coach Tim Cone believed otherwise.
For the multi-titled mentor entering such a crucial contest coming off a loss is a lot harder than coming into a Game 7 after a win in Game 6 – which logically gives that team the momentum and the boost in morale.
“Game Sevens are never just another game. They're tough games, tough to prepare for, especially when you come off a loss,” said Cone after Ginebra failed to close out the series in Game 6, falling to a 87-83 defeat to TNT.
“I think it's a little bit harder going into Game 7 when you're coming off a loss, rather than coming off a win. It's tougher mentally to get right within 24 hours and ready to play. So that's gonna be our challenge,” he added.
Cone also lamented at how Ginebra managed to put itself in position to win but failed to take full advantage of. The Kings and the Tropang Giga were right at each other's neck through the first three quarters until Poy Erram, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Rey Nambatac rallied TNT.
Even after that, however, the Kings remained within striking distance, but miscues and missed free throws spelled doom to Ginebra in the end.
“We played the game we wanted, but they were just better at it than we were tonight. They made big shots, they made big stops, forced turnovers on us,” said Cone whose Ginebra came close at completely erasing a 10-point deficit in the final frame.
“And we tried to stay in the game. Like I said, it's the kind of game we wanna play. It's the kind of game that we hope to play. But again, tonight they were better at it than we were. So we'll see what we can do in Game 7.”
Cone, however, knew that there’s not much time to wince and sulk in one corner especially with the short turnaround heading into the Game 7 on Friday, March 28 at the same venue.
“Again, we can complain and be angry about it as much as we want, but we don't have time,” he added.