Barangay Ginebra's champion head coach Tim Cone says life in the PBA without rival and friend, Chot Reyes, was so much easier. The semifinals of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner's Cup begin on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Semifinals Schedule
The first game at 5:15 p.m. features defending champion TNT Tropang 5G against the Meralco Bolts, followed by the main game at 7:30 p.m. between Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. Both series are expected to be highly competitive, with no clear favorites.
TNT's Road to the Semifinals
Despite having an impressive 7'4" import in Bol Bol, TNT struggled in the elimination round, barely clinching the eighth and final quarterfinal spot. However, the team rallied together before the quarterfinals, and their efforts paid off as they eliminated the top-seeded NLEX Road Warriors, who had a twice-to-beat advantage. This success is expected to give TNT added confidence to defend their title.
Meralco's Quarterfinal Victory
The Meralco Bolts, also with a twice-to-beat advantage, needed two games to eliminate the Magnolia Hotshots in the quarterfinals.
Ginebra vs. Rain or Shine
Ginebra coach Tim Cone emphasized the need for thorough preparation, knowing that facing Rain or Shine will not be easy. The Elasto Painters performed exceptionally well in the elimination round. Although the Gin Kings defeated them 114-90 in their elimination round matchup, Cone is aware that this does not make them favorites.
“I just know how hard it is to go up against (coach) Yeng Guiao and his team. They play the game extremely hard, they play the game extremely fast. They compete all the time, and they can wear you down in a seven-game series because of their defense and who they go to,” Cone said, as published on www.pba.ph.
“I expect it to be a really tough series,” Guiao responded regarding his matchup with Cone.
