Rain or Shine came out firing last Wednesday, defeating Barangay Ginebra, 97-85, in Game 4 of their semifinals clash at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the victory, the Elasto Painters tied the best-of-seven series at 2-2, proving they can go toe-to-toe with the star-studded Gin Kings through disciplined execution, relentless energy, and team basketball.

As the series shifts to a crucial Game 5 on Friday at the Big Dome, Alta Sports breaks down the top three reasons behind Rain or Shine’s statement win over Ginebra.

ROS locals take centerstage

One of Rain or Shine’s biggest advantages in Game 4 was its balanced offensive production from the locals. Four Filipino players finished in double figures, with Gian Mamuyac scoring 12 points, while Jhonard Clarito, Adrian Nocum, and Christian Manaytay added 11 apiece.

Import Jaylen Johnson still delivered with 13 points and 12 rebounds, but his fifth foul could have shifted momentum in Ginebra’s favor. Instead, the Elasto Painters’ locals stayed composed and sustained the lead despite being outscored by the Gin Kings, 49-39, in the second half.

Photo: PBA Images

Rookie Joshua David also provided a timely spark, knocking down two triples for eight points. His contribution also helped offset a quiet six-point outing from Andrei Caracut after his explosive Game 3 performance.

In total, 12 ROS players scored in Game 4, highlighting the team’s depth and proving the Elasto Painters can win by a comfortable margin without depending on a single standout performance.

Defense wins championships

The Elasto Painters' defensive discipline played a major role in slowing down Ginebra in Game 4. While the Gin Kings struggled offensively, credit must go to the Elasto Painters’ defensive schemes against Ginebra’s top playmakers.

ROS found success by assigning bigger guards to pressure RJ Abarrientos, limiting the Best Player of the Conference candidate’s rhythm and efficiency. After scoring 17 points in Ginebra’s Game 3 victory, Abarrientos was held to just eight points on three-of-eight shooting across 36 minutes in Game 4.

ROS also forced the Gin Kings into 13 turnovers, disrupting Ginebra’s offensive flow throughout the game. Abarrientos and Scottie Thompson committed three turnovers each, a significant factor considering both serve as the team’s primary ball-handlers and initiators on offense.

Ginebra's shocktroopers have to step up

Star power does not always guarantee victories, and Ginebra learned that lesson well in Game 4.

While Rain or Shine received a massive boost from its second unit with 49 bench points, Ginebra’s reserves struggled to make an impact, combining for just 12 points the entire game.

The Gin Kings’ heavy reliance on stars Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson, who had 27 and 20 points, respectively, allowed the Elasto Painters to focus their defensive pressure on the rest of the roster, particularly Abarrientos.

Photo: PBA Images

With limited support from the bench, Ginebra found it difficult to generate consistent offense outside its primary scorers.

Troy Rosario, who scored 11 and nine points in Games 2 and 3, was also limited to just three points while dealing with foul trouble. His diminished presence inside opened opportunities for Rain or Shine to attack the paint more aggressively.

As the series returns to the Smart Araneta Coliseum for Game 5 on Friday, all eyes will be on how Ginebra responds to Rain or Shine’s adjustments deep into the semifinals battle.