Ginebra starters get extended rest in semis

(UPDATE) THE stars seem to be aligning into Barangay Ginebra's favor, so much so that not only is the league's most popular squad a win away from reaching the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup Finals, but even its starters are getting the needed rest as they try to win another championship.

Coach Tim Cone said discipline has been a big part of the Gin Kings' surprisingly dominant run in the best-of-seven semifinal series, where they roared ahead to a commanding 3-0 lead against top seeds NorthPort Batang Pier.

"We've been talking a lot about discipline, and a lot about the process. Those are the kind of key words right now we just continually talk about because this team is always about moving on," Cone said, shortly after Ginebra rolled past NorthPort, 127-100, in another dominating performance in the series on Sunday.

The American mentor, who is personally shooting for his 26th league title as a coach, said staying on top requires tons of discipline, and yes, focus.

And he's glad to have a solid that tries to match the energy of Ginebra's starters to ensure veteran stars led by import Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar get the needed rest as they look forward to securing a spot in the best-of-seven title series.

"Definitely by intention, we are looking to limit their minutes as much as we can," explained the 67-year-old Cone, referring to Brownlee, Thompson and Aguilar. "The guys that are out there on the floor playing so well that we didn't need to bring Justin, Scottie and Japeth back in, that's really the key since they've been through a tough few weeks."

Cone said the Ginebra trio's long mileage this season, which includes playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the recent FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers third and final window, only add to the wear and tear of their bodies and legs.

"So any moment they can get to take some time off and go is huge as we move forward," he stressed.

Nonetheless, Cone said he also tries to find the balance at keeping the three Ginebra stars sharp and disciplined whenever they are all playing together. RICHARD DY