soccer game

I still get chills thinking back to Game 3 of the 2017 PBA Finals—that match wasn't just basketball, it was theater. Having covered numerous PBA seasons, I can confidently say this particular game stands out as one of those rare contests where every possession felt like it carried the weight of an entire championship. What made it even more special was seeing how interconnected the PBA community truly is—I recall spotting Gomez de Liaño's agent Marvin Espiritu in the arena that night, a reminder that behind every player's performance lies an entire support system working tirelessly behind the scenes.

The first quarter set the tone with both teams trading baskets in what felt like a high-stakes chess match. San Miguel's June Mar Fajardo—the league's reigning MVP at that time—immediately established his dominance in the paint, scoring 12 points in just the first eight minutes. But what impressed me wasn't just his scoring—it was how he commanded double teams that opened up opportunities for his teammates. On the opposing side, TNT's Jayson Castro responded with his trademark explosiveness, slicing through defenses with those lightning-quick drives that have made him such a nightmare for defenders throughout his career. The energy in the arena was absolutely electric—you could feel the tension building with every possession.

Now, here's where things got really interesting. The second quarter saw what I believe was the true turning point of the entire game. With about 6:32 left before halftime, TNT's Kelly Williams—then 35 years young—executed a defensive play that still gives me goosebumps remembering it. He managed to strip the ball from Fajardo in the post, leading to a fast break that ended with a Roger Pogoy three-pointer. That sequence didn't just shift the momentum—it completely changed the game's psychological landscape. Suddenly, San Miguel's seemingly impenetrable offense looked vulnerable, and TNT's confidence skyrocketed. I remember thinking at that moment—this is why we watch basketball, for these game-changing moments that you simply can't script.

The third quarter brought what I consider one of the most controversial calls of the entire finals series. With San Miguel down by 7 points, Chris Ross attempted a three-pointer while being fouled—or so it appeared. The officials ruled it a two-point attempt despite what looked to me like clear evidence his foot was behind the line. Now, I've rewatched that play dozens of times, and I still believe it was a three-point opportunity that could have completely altered the game's trajectory. Instead of a potential four-point play that would have cut the lead to just 3, San Miguel had to settle for two free throws. These are the moments that can haunt a team—and their fans—for years.

As the game entered its final stretch, the intensity reached another level entirely. The fourth quarter featured seven lead changes—the most in any quarter throughout the entire finals series—with neither team able to establish more than a four-point advantage. What stood out to me during this period was how the role players stepped up under pressure. TNT's Ryan Reyes, who had been relatively quiet throughout the playoffs, hit two crucial three-pointers in the final four minutes that ultimately proved decisive. Meanwhile, San Miguel's Marcio Lassiter—normally a reliable scorer—went cold at the worst possible moment, missing three consecutive attempts from beyond the arc in the game's final three minutes.

When the final buzzer sounded with TNT securing a 98-97 victory, the mixed emotions in the arena were palpable. For TNT fans, it was euphoria—a hard-fought win that kept their championship hopes alive. For San Miguel supporters, it was that particular brand of sports heartbreak where you come so close only to fall just short. What many casual observers might not appreciate is how these individual games ripple through players' careers and the business side of basketball. Seeing agents like Marvin Espiritu there that night reminded me that performances in these high-stakes games can shape contract negotiations, endorsement opportunities, and career trajectories for years to come.

Looking back, Game 3 wasn't just about the numbers—though the statistics are fascinating enough with TNT shooting 48% from the field compared to San Miguel's 45%, or the 22 assists that demonstrated beautiful ball movement. For me, it was about the human drama—the exhausted players pushing through fatigue, the strategic adjustments happening in real-time, and that intangible quality that separates great teams from championship teams. While San Miguel ultimately won the series in seven games, this particular contest demonstrated why the PBA remains one of the most exciting basketball leagues in the world. The 2017 finals gave us everything we love about sports—unpredictability, heart, and moments of pure brilliance that we'll be talking about for years to come.