Ray Parks’ injury won’t change Brgy. Ginebra’s preparations for Game 2, says Tim Cone

Brgy. Ginebra will approach Game 2 of the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup Finals with the same mindset, regardless if TNT’s leading scorer Bobby Ray Parks Jr. plays or not.

With a myriad of tough battles already tucked under his belt, Gin Kings head coach Tim Cone knows fully well that opponents remain dangerous even without the presence of their main man.

“The fact that Parks is doubtful to play does not change our mindset or preparation,” said Cone after the team went through a light practice at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena and Cultural Center on Tuesday. “We will continue to assume he will play.”

Parks led the Tropang Giga with 20 points in the series opener but missed on the front end of 2 free throws which could’ve given his team a 3-point advantage going into the final 12 seconds of the match. He saw action for almost 44 minutes and in the process aggravated a left calf strain, the same injury which forced the 2nd overall pick of the 2018 draft to miss his team’s first game inside the bubble.

The missed free throw totally changed the complexion of the game, a scenario not lost on Cone.

“Game 1 was separated by one free throw, so although we’re thankful for the win, we’re not happy,” said the league’s winningest mentor. “We know we’re going to have to play a better, a much tighter game if we’re to have success in this series.”