The beauty of surviving do-or-die games

Coach Tim Cone and the rest of the San Mig Coffee Mixers were able to pass eight do-or-die games including this Governor’s Cup semifinals against a Powerhouse team coached by one of the greats, Coach Norman Black.

But before heading to this game, a lot of fans thought that, this will be very different for sure. Why? A much coveted grand slam is at stake for the Mixers, and a role of spoiler being handed down to Talk ‘N Text considering the fact that they have a lot of talented players from first up to the deepest unit.

How the Mixers were able to enter their fourth straight finals appearance and a has a nearer chance to Grand Slam?

First. It’s the MOTIVATION. What’s their driving force again? G-R-A-N-D-S-L-A-M They might not be highlighting that in every huddle, but deep inside of each player’s heart is they want to see themselves in the BOOK again after that 3-peat. It’s the motivation that seems to be the pressure that caught them off guard and put them into this 8 straight do-or-die game.    

Second. They know each other well. Familiarity, chemistry and trust- gave them enough confidence that each of them can contribute in every little to big ways. They know who to give the ball to, where to go and what to do. Since they know each other well, they were able to play SELFLESS basketball. None of them is in the top 5 of BPC nor in MVP race. Does it mean, none of them are good? Nah! It’s like every game, choosing a BPG is hard. Why? In first quarter, its James next it will be either Sangalang, Melton, Mallari or Maliksi, on the third quarter, it could be Barroca or PJ then fourth, Blakely will take charge, alongside Pingris, then could be PJ again, James, or Barroca. See?  

Third. Tim Cone. A lot of fans, including me, thought that, he’s seemed to be not being smart in using his bench for the past 2 losses. Oh well, who am I to question that?  Haha But, seeing Coach Black utilizing his 15 players, made me think of why not copy that? On game four, Coach Tim relied on the vets, they almost got the win, but felt short in the over time. In Game five, I thought that he’ll give Maliksi, Melton and Mallari more minutes. But then I failed. What does it implies me though? I think Coach Tim wants his veterans to feel that they are still the most trusted ones. That, in situations like this, they are and should be the one taking charge. And it paid off! Pingris, PJ, Barroca, JDV and of course Big Game James Yap hand in hand together with Blakely, were able to survive TNT.

Fourth. Do-or-die game experiences. Those are either in the quarterfinals, semi-finals or a championship match. They’ve been in those tough situations before, when their backs are against the wall. When their bodies seemingly giving up because of fatigue, considering how physical this league is. Those experiences really toughened this team. Even to the point that Marc Pingris can promise a victory, or at least give some assurance that they could win a certain series. It’s such a confident builder that you know your team knows what to do in such event that seems to be not going on your way, yet you could still find a hole in it, go hard, grind out and get that win.

             Now, this team will be facing either Alaska or Rain or Shine, both are all determined to create a final stop to spoil the Mixers’ Grand Slam dream. The question is, do San Mig Coffee Mixers still have their Aces or Storm to battle another possible 5-game series or the time isn’t on their hands yet? 

           That, we will altogether find out as we follow this Grand-Slam Chase of San Mig Coffee Mixers to start in just a few days.