Rain or Shine sent TNT packing the last time they met in the PBA playoffs, can the Elasto Painters do the same in the PBA Governors' Cup semis?
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are set to challenge defending champions TNT Tropang Giga in a highly anticipated best-of-7 semifinals series in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.
Finishing as the no. 1 seed in Group B with a 7-3 record, Rain or Shine earned its spot in the semifinals by overcoming Magnolia in a grueling quarterfinal series, 3-2.
[Related: No. 1 seeds TNT and Rain or Shine ready for Governors' Cup semis clash | PBA schedule]
This marks the second straight conference that the Elasto Painters have reached the semifinals, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2019.
Led by import Aaron Fuller, who had a previous stint with TNT, the Elasto Painters boast a talented roster of emerging stars, including Jhonard Clarito, Andre Caracut, Adrian Nocum, Gian Mamuyac, and Felix Lemetti.
Fuller’s experience and the youthful energy of his supporting cast have driven Rain or Shine’s strong performance this conference, and they’ll be looking to bring that momentum into this series against the reigning champions.
Rain or Shine has a rich playoff history with TNT, including a recent victory over the Tropang Giga in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup quarterfinals, where they won 2-1.
However, TNT has often had the upper hand in their matchups, especially in previous Governors’ Cup and Finals battles, making this series another chapter in their ongoing rivalry.
Rain or Shine vs. TNT Playoff History:
- PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup quarterfinals: Rain or Shine beat TNT, 2-1
- 2017 Governors' Cup quarterfinals: TNT swept Rain or Shine, 2-0
- 2016 Philippine Cup quarterfinals: Rain or Shine won, 1-0
- 2015 Commissioner's Cup Finals: TNT defeated Rain or Shine, 4-3
- 2014 Commissioner's Cup semifinals: TNT swept Rain or Shine, 3-0
- 2012 Philippine Cup Finals: TNT dominated Rain or Shine, 4-0
- 2011 Philippine Cup quarterfinals: TNT won, 1-0
With TNT aiming to defend its title, Rain or Shine will need to bring its best basketball to knock off the champs.
The Elasto Painters’ combination of veteran leadership from Fuller and the emerging talents of their young core will surely be key as they look to outlast the Tropang Giga and secure a place in the Finals.
Game 1 starts October 9.
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[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]