PBA: Tempers flare anew in Ginebra-Rain or Shine Game 5 clash

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ Jaylen Johnson after Game 5 of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

MANILA, Philippines—Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals between Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine ended much like Game 4 did–with tempers flaring.

In the previous game, it was Ginebra team governor Alfrancis Chua and Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao exchanging heated words.

This time, emotions spilled over on the floor late in Ginebra’s 111-104 win on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

For one, Caelan Tiongson stared down the officials’ table even after the final buzzer.

Then, as both teams headed back to their dugouts, players exchanged words, particularly Rain or Shine import Jaylen Johnson and Ginebra’s Raymond Aguilar.

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ Jaylen Johnson and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Raymond Aguilar exchange some words during Game 5 of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

Justin Brownlee downplayed the heated ending to the game and said that’s just how a tightly-contested series goes.

“It’s just a part of the series,” said Brownlee. “These are two teams who just want to win. That’s just how it is in a series. Plus, we’re in the semis and everybody’s just out there fighting.”

“When you’re in a fight, not literally but in the game, you get emotional and sometimes, emotions get the best of you but I think we kept our composure even with emotions running high throughout the whole game.”

Johnson, meanwhile, chose not to elaborate on the exchanges after the game.

“I don’t know,” Johnson said.

Ginebra and Rain or Shine add another chapter to their heated rivalry on Sunday in Game 6 at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.