Ginebra coach Cone stresses defense after loss to TNT

Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone emphasized the need for his team to improve defensively after a 95-89 loss to TNT in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals on Friday.

Cone expressed frustration with his team's performance, noting that they were outplayed and outcoached, and challenged them to change the narrative of their rivalry heading into Game 2.

TNT's strong defense and early lead set Ginebra back, leading to a difficult comeback attempt for the Kings who struggled to contain TNT's scorers.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led TNT with 34 points, while RR Pogoy added 15 from three-point connections; in contrast, Justin Brownlee had 28 points but was heavily contested by TNT’s defense.

Both coaches acknowledged the importance of defensive improvement moving forward in this best-of-seven series.