FLIPPING THE SCRIPT: Ginebra wants to turn tables on bitter rival TNT Tropang Giga

They are at it again, but this time, in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup finals.

TNT and Barangay Ginebra found themselves crossing paths once again for crown and glory in an explosive best-of-seven series unfurling on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Being at the losing end of their last two championship meetings, including the season-opening Governors Cup, the Kings are determined to write a different ending in their third championship clash in the last five conferences of the league.

“They’ve beat us twice already so it’s on us to change the narrative,” Cone said of Ginebra’s mindset heading into the finals during the series’ press conference held Monday at the Kamay Kainan in Quezon City.

The Rondae Hollis-Jefferson-led Tropang Giga had the Kings’ number, beating them in the 2023 and this season’s Governors’ Cup — both decided in six games.

However, Ginebra might have a slight edge this time with the return of 6-foot-6 wingers Jamie Malonzo and Jeremiah Gray from injuries and the addition of former TNT forward Troy Rosario.

“I think we’re coming into the series with a lot more depth than we had the last time we played them. I think that’s gonna be a big factor for us,” Cone said.

“Just the idea that we have a little more depth and length that we had in the last series we played (gives us a better chance).”

The Kings’ deep arsenal was on full display in the semifinals when they crushed top-seeded NorthPort in five games.

All their victories came in blowouts by more than 20 points despite initial fears that Ginebra might be weary against a well-rested Batang Pier, with main gunners three-time Best Import Justin Brownlee, Malonzo, Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson and Rosario coming from a tour of duty with Gilas Pilipinas.

TNT head coach Chot Reyes would like to consider his team as the underdog against a familiar foe but parading a reinforced lineup.

“Look at the other side, we’re playing against the national team. They have the first five of Gilas over there. That’s a huge advantage (for them) and I think that’s something that’s going to be a real challenge for us,” Reyes said.

Unlike Ginebra, the Tropang Giga had to work hard to get past Rain or Shine in five grueling matches that could’ve gone either way.

Reyes knows if beating the Elasto Painters is tasking, scoring another championship over the Kings will be even harder.

“We know the enormity of the challenge in front of us. Our work is cut out for us. As I said, all that we can hope for is to play at our best because if we don’t play at our best, we have no chance,” Reyes said.

“Even if we play at our best it’s not yet 100 percent (we could win). It’s still not sure but at least I think we can compete. But if we don’t play at our best, we have no chance.”

It doesn’t help that TNT will be handicapped by the absence of Governors’ Cup Finals Most Valuable Player Jayson Castro. The veteran guard and stabilizer sustained a season-ending knee injury in Game 2 of the semis.

Although the Tropang Giga managed to stave off Rain or Shine with guards RR Pogoy, Rey Nambatac and Kim Aurin, Best Player of the Conference contender Calvin Oftana and Glenn Khobuntin helping out Hollis-Jefferson, missing a vital cog in Castro will play a big factor in the series.

“Our ability to play at a high level without Jayson (is there). (But) he’s the last Finals MVP so it’s like taking that piece away is going to be a telling factor,” Reyes said.