After a frustrating start into the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup, it looks like the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel are getting their groove back.
The Gin Kings have posted their first winning streak in the mid-season conference by collecting their second straight victory on Sunday night at the expense of the Magnolia Hotshots, 104-84, in a Manila Clasico affair.
Almost everything fell into place for the Barangay in the victory, which had been their best game of the conference so far. As a whole, Ginebra shot 46.3 percent from the floor, and the majority of it came from the 18 assists they made.
Moreover, the Barangay have seemingly gotten their teeth on defense back. Ginebra limited the Hotshots to just 36 percent field goal shooting, and they also forced their long-time rivals to 20 turnovers, which led to 28 points.
It was, in a way, like the Ginebra of old that played infront of its’ thousands of fans inside the SMART Araneta Coliseum. But for Greg Slaughter, a sample size of two games isn’t enough to tell that they have regained their form.
“No. That’s the thing. I don’t even think we’re playing at our best right now — yet,” said Slaughter, who had 12 points and 14 rebounds. “We got the win today but I think there’s still a lot more room, another level that we can get to.
“Not just another level, but I think there’s still a few more levels we can get to,” the 7-foot slotman added. “Hopefully we just keep going and ride this momentum.”
Still, a win is a win, and Sunday night’s victory only gave Ginebra’s playoff chances a huge boost. The Barangay has improved their win-loss record to 3-5, and are currently placing ninth in the team standings.
So for now, the Gin Kings will be treating their last three games as do-or-die matches, said Slaughter.
“Every game’s kinda a do-or-die for us right now at this point.
“We can’t really afford to take any more losses so… You know, one win down, we got another one on Wednesday right away,” closed the product of Ateneo.
