Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — In reality, the 2017 Philippine Cup Finals series between Barangay Ginebra and the San Miguel Beermen was not very close.
The Gin Kings only managed to win a single game and were beaten comprehensively in Game 1 and Game 3, as they fell 4-1 in the series.
Even Ginebra coach Tim Cone admitted they were ‘overwhelmed’ and simply ‘didn’t have any answers’ against the Beermen after Game 5.
But despite watching San Miguel hoist the Perpetual Trophy, Cone had great things to say about his players.
“I’m very proud of our guys,” Cone said after Game 5. “Coming from the seventh seed, coming from a championship, and getting back to the Finals is already a great feat because our guys are worn out.”
In the Philippine Cup, Ginebra finished the elimination round with a 6-5 win-loss slate.
Their record meant they had to overcome a twice-to-beat disadvantage against last year’s Philippine Cup finalists, the Alaska Aces, in the quarterfinals.
Ginebra managed to edge the Aces, but had to battle past rivals Star Hotshots in the semifinals.
The Manila Clasico semifinal matchup lasted for the seven games with Ginebra booking its spot in the Finals.
Ginebra reached the last dance despite the absence of big man Greg Slaughter, who is still recovering from an ACL injury, and injuries to forwards Joe Devance and Jervy Cruz late in the conference.
Devance in particular soldiered on, and played the last five games of the semifinals and the entirety of the Finals with painkillers injected into his foot before every game.
Devance’s effort to try to get on the floor and help the team isn’t lost on Cone.
“We overcame a lot, Joe is our inspiration and great courage throughout the series and the last series,” Cone said.
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Throughout the conference, Cone has praised his team’s resilience in battling past seemingly insurmountable odds.
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Even if they ultimately fell short of their goal, the pride of how far they have come is definitely there despite it being hidden for the moment by the sting of defeat.
