Remember the "Powerade Cinderella Run"? How about the "LeBronto" Raptors? Those were narratives built on genuine underdog journeys. This, folks, is something entirely different. San Miguel Beermen, the undisputed kings of spending, are currently locked in a battle with Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA semifinals. And here's the truly bizarre twist: San Miguel can't stop praising their opponents.
Head Coach Jorge Gallent is out here dropping "great team" compliments on Rain or Shine like confetti after a championship parade. Is this some newfound respect for a scrappy underdog? Or is it a desperate attempt to legitimize San Miguel's own playoff run? Let's be real, folks. San Miguel's dominance hasn't exactly been built on facing an iron curtain every night. Their war chest allows them to assemble juggernauts, and frankly, Rain or Shine ain't exactly Goliath.
San Miguel veteran Don Trollano is marveling at Rain or Shine's "progress." Progress? Is this the same Rain or Shine team they shellacked by 12 points just two months ago? This reeks of a backhanded compliment, a way to downplay the threat Rain or Shine actually poses while simultaneously inflating the difficulty of San Miguel's own victory.
Even June Mar Fajardo, the walking double-double, is out here complaining about his defensive struggles against Rain or Shine's Beau Belga. Hold on, didn't Fajardo drop 23 points and 11 rebounds? This manufactured narrative of barely surviving against Rain or Shine feels as forced as a bad Hollywood sequel.
Look, San Miguel can win this series. They have the talent, the experience, the whole farm system thing going for them. But the constant hyping of Rain or Shine feels transparent, a desperate attempt to paint themselves as victors against a tougher opponent than they're actually facing.
PBA fans aren't blind. They know San Miguel's path to the finals is often paved with financial muscle, not necessarily superior competition. Maybe a little less praise for Rain or Shine and a little more focus on their own game would be a better strategy for San Miguel. After all, a win is a win, regardless of the opponent's pregame hype.
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