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Walking into the press room after Game 3 of the PBA Finals, you could feel the weight in the air—not just the usual tension of a playoff matchup, but something deeper, something almost personal. I’ve covered basketball for over a decade, and I’ve rarely seen a team carry emotion the way these players did tonight. The final score, 98–94, tells only part of the story. What unfolded on that court was a testament to resilience, strategy, and the kind of raw desire that defines championship moments. And honestly? I think this game might just shift the entire series.
Let’s rewind to the fourth quarter, about five minutes left on the clock. The score was tied at 88–88, and you could feel the momentum teetering. That’s when Malonzo—who’s been quietly consistent all season—stepped up with a clutch three-pointer from the corner. It wasn’t just a shot; it felt like a statement. As he later shared in the post-game interview, “It’s a disappointment right now. A lot of us really wanted to win this because of what LA Tenorio gave us for Game 6. A lot of us wanted to give that back in Game 7, myself included, I know the rest of the team as well.” Hearing that, it clicked for me. This wasn’t just about one game; it was about repaying a debt of inspiration. Tenorio’s leadership in Game 6 clearly left a mark, and tonight, the team played like they were carrying that legacy forward.
But let’s break down the key plays that defined this game, because as a former assistant coach, I always look for the subtle shifts. Early on, the defense was tight—maybe too tight. Both teams were shooting below 40% in the first half, which is unusual for a finals matchup. Then, around the third quarter, the pace changed. I noticed more pick-and-roll actions, and the ball movement improved dramatically. One sequence that stood out was a fast break led by their point guard, who dished off an assist that led to an and-one opportunity. That play alone swung the momentum and cut what was a 9-point deficit to just 3. Statistically, they ended with 22 assists and only 8 turnovers—a ratio that’s hard to beat at this level. If they keep that up, I’d bet they take the series in six games, maybe even five.
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were moments where the offense stalled, and I found myself groaning at a couple of forced shots. Personally, I think they relied too much on isolation plays in the mid-second quarter, which cost them easy buckets. But hey, that’s the beauty of live sports—you adapt or you lose. And adapt they did. By the final minutes, the teamwork was seamless, with players moving off the ball and creating open looks. It’s those small adjustments that separate good teams from great ones, and tonight, they showed flashes of greatness.
Now, diving into the numbers a bit more, the rebounding battle was crucial. They outrebounded their opponents 48–42, with 12 of those being offensive boards. That’s huge—it gave them second-chance points that ultimately made the difference. I remember one possession where they grabbed three offensive rebounds in a row before sinking a fadeaway jumper. Plays like that drain the spirit of the opposing team, and as a fan of gritty basketball, I loved every second of it. It’s not always about flashy dunks or deep threes; sometimes, it’s the grind that wins championships.
Reflecting on Malonzo’s words again, it’s clear this team is playing with heart, not just strategy. In my years covering the league, I’ve seen talented squads fall short because they lacked that emotional drive. Here, though, they’re channeling it into every possession. The final score might show a 4-point win, but the intangibles—the hustle, the shared purpose—are what really stood out. As the series moves forward, I’ll be watching to see if they can sustain this energy. If they do, I’m confident they’ll hoist the trophy. For now, Game 3 will be remembered as the night they turned heartbreak into hope, and as a basketball enthusiast, I couldn’t ask for a better storyline.