The eight teams heading to the 2024 PBA Governors' Cup playoffs are now set with a day left in the elimination rounds.
NLEX's big win over Ginebra got them to five wins, which eliminated Blackwater. One game still has seedings implications, as Magnolia and Converge dispute who can avoid Group B's top seed Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals.
With the playoffs right around the corner, let's look at the postseason teams and see which ones could make a deep run in this conference.
1. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
Rain or Shine had a successful week, securing two wins in classic form to finish at the top of Group B. Their high-paced offense was the key to both victories as they averaged 122.5 points.
In their overtime win against NLEX, they showcased their deep roster, with Anton Asistio emerging as the hero. He dropped 25 points, shot 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, and spoiled the impressive debut of DeQuan Jones.
Rain or Shine followed it up with another victory, this time against a formidable San Miguel squad who were fresh off a dominant win over Ginebra. Once again, Rain or Shine's depth proved decisive, with six players scoring in double digits, led by Andrei Caracut's 20 points, alongside veteran contributions from Beau Belga and Gabe Norwood.
2. TNT Tropang Giga
The compressed conference schedule has taken a toll on TNT's performance in the final week of the eliminations. Fatigue set in and disrupted their offensive rhythm as they dropped a game despite a relatively easier schedule against eliminated teams.
TNT had a disastrous fourth quarter against cellar-dwellers Terrafirma, allowing them to claim their first win of the conference. TNT bounced back to defeat an import-less NorthPort, handing them their fourth straight loss. Despite these non-bearing games, one thing is clear: TNT's 91.4 offensive rating needs to improve if they want to make a serious playoff run. In short, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson can't do it alone -- he needs help.
3. San Miguel Beermen
It always feels off to doubt a squad as loaded as San Miguel. Despite their roller-coaster performance this conference, their sheer talent should make every team wary of facing them in the playoffs.
San Miguel's rousing win against Ginebra sent shockwaves through the league, especially with how it unfolded. But just two games later, an import problem looms, as Jordan Adams sustained a hamstring injury that could hinder his play in the later rounds. Losses to Rain or Shine and Blackwater only added to their troubles, making it crucial for San Miguel to solve this issue quickly if they want to stay in championship contention.
4. Barangay Ginebra
Concerns about Ginebra's big man rotation and their overall shallow lineup are valid as they head into the quarterfinals. However, this has long been head coach Tim Cone's approach-relying on a tight seven- to eight-man rotation that can maintain a high level of play for extended minutes.
Against a hungry NLEX team eager to secure their playoff spot, Ginebra's lax third-quarter performance proved costly, becoming the turning point that forced them into catch-up mode all the way to overtime. If they hope to make a deep playoff run, they'll need to address these issues and tighten their defense when it matters most.
5. Meralco Bolts
It felt that Meralco was bitten by the injury bug the most, having to cycle to different lineups just to survive the group stage eliminations. Indeed, they were successful to get the second spot of Group A.
Then why are they this low? Except for a minor hiccup against Converge for this week, the prize of their solid play in this conference so far is a matchup with arch nemesis Ginebra in the quarterfinals. Confidence should already be there, especially after finally getting over the hump just in the last All-Filipino conference, but it's always a different beast going up against a Justin Brownlee. A bright spot that has been helpful for Meralco is the emergence of rookie CJ Cansino, who averaged 18 points in two games this week.
6. Converge FiberXers
Even with Scotty Hopson's late-game heroics from the 4-point line against Terrafirma, his injury posed too much of a risk for Converge, leading them to part ways with him. Fortunately, new import Jalen Jones stepped up, delivering a crucial scoring boost in their important win over Meralco.
Exciting times lie ahead for Converge as they head into their first-ever playoff appearance with this young core, eager to make a statement and prove they can compete at the highest level. A win over Magnolia should not only boost their morale, but can be a good measuring stick on where they are as a team playing against the better squads of the PBA.
7. Magnolia Hotshots
If there is a phrase to describe the Governors' Cup for Magnolia, it's them not being able to find their footing. The trend has been a win followed by a loss. Now they will be forced to bring in a new import after two games of Shabazz Muhammad.
The said import did not suit up in their last win against NorthPort due to a nagging injury, which ultimately forced the hand of Magnolia to replace him. For now the good thing is that they have punched a ticket to the playoffs. It will be a test whether Magnolia is ready when they face Converge to determine who gets to the third seed and play San Miguel in a best-of-5 series.
8. NLEX Road Warriors
It took a herculean effort in the second half for import DeQuan Jones to steer NLEX into a secured playoff spot. He poured in 44 points and 10 rebounds, shooting a scorching 4-6 from 4-point range, to carry his team past a tough Ginebra squad.
As NLEX prepares to face TNT in the quarterfinals, it's crucial for the locals to step up and support Jones and Robert Bolick in the scoring department. If they hope to stay competitive against TNT's stout defense, a more balanced offensive effort will be key to their success in hopes of pulling off an upset.