Kings, E-Painters aching to battle after an extra day rest

Game Thursday (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

7 p.m. – Rain or Shine vs Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines – For the Barangay Ginebra Kings, there were two sides on the cancellation of their game against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Tuesday.

It could have an effect on the momentum they’re greatly enjoying but, at the same time, it has helped Japeth Aguilar get nearer to a return to their lineup.

“We’re hoping the cancellation does not halt the momentum we’ve worked hard for,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone ahead of the resumption of the Ginebra-Rain or Shine series Thursday night, barring the continuation of the inclement weather.

The Kings seek a follow-up to their 102-89 win Sunday as they play the Elasto Painters at 7 p.m. in Game Two of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-five semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Also due to the torrential rains, the PBA also postponed Game Three of the San Miguel Beer-Alaska Milk series at the Big Dome Wednesday night.

The game is rescheduled at 7 p.m. Thursday over at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo. The Beermen lead the series, 2-0.

Ginebra was riding the momentum of an eight-game run going to Game Two of its own semis battle with Rain or Shine.

“The extra day also gives ROS more time to make adjustments and get ready to bounce back in Game Two. We expect them to come out with great force so we’ll have to be at the top of our game. It should be a great game,” said Cone.

For the Kings, the game cancellation Tuesday may allow Aguilar to no longer miss another game.

With a swelling in his Achilles tendon area, Aguilar was rested by Cone in Game One.

“We don’t want him play one game and miss the rest. We’d rather him miss one and play the rest,” Cone pointed out then.

Despite some health issues, the Kings have won their last eight games dating back to the elims. They’re now on their longest streak since a 13-game run spanning the elims and finals of the 2008 PBA Fiesta Conference.

But Cone insists they’re now on dangerous ground versus the E-Painters who he said is “the playoff No. 1 seed for good reasons.”

The Ginebra bench chieftain pointed to the repeated fightbacks of the E-Painters in Game One.

“Those big leads (in Game One) are artificial leads, and we’re talking about that. Generally, a team like Rain or Shine will ride themselves and get them back to what they do well. We went to halftime quite scared. They figured us out cause they brought down a 19-point lead down to seven,” said Cone.

“So they’re in a good position at halftime. Then they brought it down within four but we pulled away again with some big plays. That’s been our ammo — big plays at the right time,” Cone added.