Blowing a big lead and losing the game must’ve been a pain for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters so much so that they left no doubt about the outcome in Game 3. 

The Elasto Painters really let out their frustrations on offense, relying on a barrage of 3-pointers and some nifty drives to the basket to build a 33-15 first quarter lead that ballooned to as large as 29 points. The game was pretty much decided by then as Rain or Shine learned their lesson and did not give the TNT Tropang 5G a chance to sustain any of their comeback efforts. 

Winning Game 3 not only allowed the Elasto Painters to avoid the 3-0 hole that usually spells dooms for teams, but they may have also found a way to eventually take control of this series. Establishing a perimeter game is critical to ensuring Rain or Shine’s interior game can be as punishing as it was against the Tropang 5G in Game 3. TNT continues to have a solid defensive unit on the floor even with some injuries, but the Elasto Painters were able to score by imposing their will. 

That the Tropang 5G were undermanned may have made this easier, but then again, TNT has always gone by the next-man-up mentality, which has gotten them this far. However, the best ability remains availability and things are shifting to Rain or Shine’s favor at the moment. 

Numbers aside, Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao has kept his squad cool and composed despite the pressures that come with the postseason. Game 3 was chippier than usual and with the outcome having been decided, the Tropang 5G were more focused on sending a message than playing the game itself. 

Guiao is as fiery as ever, but he’s shown Rain or Shine the way in handling the big bullies of the PBA. The Elasto Painters cannot be pushed around and they cannot afford to be rattled by the pushing and shoving. Of course, Rain or Shine can deal punishment so they can surely take shots, but the shots feel different in the playoffs. Compared to the last few games, the Elasto Painters will have a couple of days to rest, but more importantly, it should allow them to reassess what they need to do to sustain their efforts from Game 3. 

The last three games of the 2025 Honda PBA Philippine Cup have been quite eventful for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. They’ve seen close defeats, lost leads, and physical play and now, they’ve made a statement win. Now, they have to follow through lest they want their victory to be a one-hit wonder.