The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters must be breathing a huge sigh of relief. 

In the first two games of the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals, the Elasto Painters were unable to solve the riddle that was the TNT Tropang Giga. Rain or Shine would get the lead after the first quarter only for the Tropang Giga to respond and snatch the victory from them. Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao’s point on the odd bracket for the 2024 Governors’ Cup playoffs seemed to hurt Group B top seed Rain or Shine as they were struggling against the top seed from Group A. 

Game 3, however, was a different story. 

TNT had the lead at the end of the opening quarter and seemed to have their rhythm offensively thanks to their 3-point shooting. But the Elasto Painters would not go down without a fight. They’re a scrappy bunch and with their efforts, they were able to build a 15-point lead in the second half. The Tropang Giga were not quitters themselves and they had their own rally. 

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In the fourth quarter, TNT caught up and even took the lead with two minutes left. Momentum was clearly with the Tropang Giga and they needed to settle down. Thankfully, Aaron Fuller was there to provide some much-needed stability. 

Let’s be real, though: Rain or Shine lived to fight another day. They avoided the dreaded 3-0 series deficit. Yes, a comeback from that hole has been done before, but the Elasto Painters are not the San Miguel Beermen. 

Moreover, experience is obviously on TNT’s side and Rain or Shine is learning what it takes to win as they go along this series. Yes, the Elasto Painters have won PBA championships in the past, the most recent one being the 2016 Oppo-PBA Commissioner’s Cup. But this current iteration of Rain or Shine is a young and scrappy bunch, and they’re learning firsthand that few things can compare to this part of the playoffs.  

That being said, bringing in Fuller is paying off dividends now than during the preliminary round. He’s not afraid of the moment and his wealth of international experience has helped him lead this upstart squad. Actions tend to speak louder than words and with the way Fuller led the Elasto Painters to their breakthrough semifinal win in this conference, it’s best they follow his lead going forward. 

When great scorers are struggling, they sometimes just need to see one shot go in before getting their mojo back. The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters got their first win over the TNT Tropang Giga in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals after a couple of attempts that went awry. Experience is the best teacher and they stuck it to the guy who made learning experiences a punchline. 

With a manageable series gap to work with, the Elasto Painters can even the series with another win. And from there, it’s a whole new series again. 

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