CURRENTLY having one of their better starts in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters credit playing as a team, nay, a “family” as one big reason for the early success they are having in the Commissioner’s Cup.
Moved to solo first place with a 5-1 record after earning a hard-fought 96-90 victory over the GlobalPort Batang Pier on Sunday, the E-Painters in said game showed anew their having each other’s back and supporting one another as providing a key motor that keeps them going.
Against the Batang Pier, Rain or Shine had it a balanced attack, with at least six players scoring nine points or more in fending off the tough challenge presented by GlobalPort.
The E-Painters further displayed that they are playing in the collective when guard Chris Tiu went to the floor bleeding from a wayward elbow from GlobalPort import Malcolm White.
Mr. Tiu stayed down for minutes before rising up on his own power and giving a piece of his mind to Mr. White as he went back to the Rain or Shine bench.
That incident proved to be a turning point for the E-Painters as they played with more aggressiveness and toughness which turned out to be too much to handle for the Batang Pier.
Mr. Tiu eventually got back into the game despite nursing a busted mouth and exacted payback, scoring five straight points in a key juncture late in the game en route to their victory.
The former Ateneo stalwart, who was named player of the game after with 10 points and six assists, said he really wanted to get the victory and get back at GlobalPort for what its import did to him even as he highlighted the kind of team Rain or Shine has.
“After what happened to me I really wanted to win the game. I think that is the best revenge after what that person (White) did to me,” said Mr. Tiu postgame.
“I felt really good that after that incident because all of my teammates had my back. That is the way we were trained. That’s how we play. We are family. We got each other’s back,” he added.
For Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia, his team “closing ranks” amid the challenge of GlobalPort is a positive sign, more so since his wards kept their focus.
“They kept their focus despite the many disruptions and physicality of the match,” said Mr. Garcia, referring to the Tiu incident as well as the near-fracas that involved multiple players from both teams that resulted in GlobalPort’s Kelly Nabong and Rain or Shine’s Maverick Ahanmisi being thrown out for fighting fouls meted on them.
“Even Chris (Tiu) was still able to deliver when he came in after what happened to him,” added Mr. Garcia.
The PBA is currently on a break to give way to the three-leg PBA All-Star festivities, something Mr. Tiu said he hopes not to take a toll on the team’s strong start.
“We are happy that we have a 5-1 start. And hopefully we get to keep the momentum going despite the break. And keeping playing well as a team,” said Mr. Tiu.