Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings head coach Tim Cone believes the league-leading NorthPort Batang Pier is a legitimate title contender in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Cone noted that Arvin Tolentino and Joshua Munzon have been providing consistent performances for the Batang Pier, while their import, Kadeem Jack, fits well into the system run by head coach Bonnie Tan.
The Batang Pier ended their five-year, 14-game losing skid against the Gin Kings on Wednesday night, pulling off a 119-116 victory at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

PBA: Ginebra doomed by slow start vs NorthPort, admits Tim Cone

“They played really well and gave our defense fits all game. It means they are for real, and we have problems stopping them on the rim,” Cone said in a short post-game interview.

“Munzon is playing (well), and Arvin is playing at an MVP level, and their import is a great fit. Nothing we could have done to stop them (last night),” added the concurrent Gilas Pilipinas mentor.

Cone further stated that the close defeat should serve as a lesson to the Gin Kings, reminding them that they cannot afford to start flat and rely on a late-game run to secure victories.

“We started flat, and they came out ready, tried to make a run in the end, but, as I told my team, we should not have gone to that; we should have played well from the start,” Cone said.

The Batang Pier are currently on top of the standings with a 7-1 win-loss slate, while the Gin Kings have a 5-3 record.