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As I settled into my courtside seat for the PBA Finals matchup between Rain or Shine and Phoenix, I couldn't help but recall Coach Jeff Napa's recent comments about his National University team. He'd mentioned how he always knew what his squad was capable of, and watching Rain or Shine's systematic dismantling of Phoenix, I realized we were witnessing that same coaching philosophy in action at the professional level. The final score read 98-92 in favor of Rain or Shine, but the numbers barely tell the story of how thoroughly they controlled this game from the second quarter onward.
What struck me immediately was Rain or Shine's defensive adjustments after the first quarter. They came out looking slightly disjointed, trailing 28-24 after the opening period, but then something clicked. Coach Yeng Guiao made this subtle rotation change that completely altered the game's momentum. He moved Beau Belga to defend Phoenix's import much earlier than usual, and the results were immediate. Phoenix shot just 38% from the field in the second quarter compared to their 52% in the first. I've followed Belga's career for years, and what impressed me wasn't just his defensive presence but his basketball IQ - he anticipated passes, disrupted driving lanes, and essentially became the defensive anchor Rain or Shine desperately needed.
The third quarter was where Rain or Shine truly separated themselves, and this is where I saw parallels to what Coach Napa emphasizes with his collegiate team. They ran this beautiful half-court offense that created mismatches repeatedly. Rey Nambatac, who finished with 22 points, was absolutely sensational during this stretch. There was this particular possession around the 5:32 mark where Rain or Shine moved the ball through four different players before Nambatac hit a contested three-pointer. That basket put them up by 11 points, and you could feel the momentum shift permanently in their favor. Statistics show they outscored Phoenix 30-18 in that quarter, but what the numbers don't capture is the psychological impact of their methodical play.
I've always believed that championship teams win through role players stepping up in big moments, and Rain or Shine's supporting cast delivered in spades. Gabe Norwood, at 38 years old, played like someone ten years younger, contributing 14 points, 7 rebounds, and what I'd estimate as 4-5 crucial defensive stops. There was this sequence in the fourth quarter where Phoenix had cut the lead to just 6 points with about 4 minutes remaining, and Norwood made back-to-back defensive plays that essentially sealed the game. First, he stripped the ball from Phoenix's point guard in transition, then on the very next possession, he contested a three-point attempt without fouling. Those are the kinds of winning plays that don't always show up prominently in the stat sheet but absolutely determine outcomes.
What surprised me most was Rain or Shine's ability to control the tempo despite Phoenix's reputation for fast-paced basketball. They limited Phoenix to just 8 fast-break points while generating 18 of their own. The rebounding battle told a similar story - Rain or Shine outrebounded Phoenix 48-42, with 15 of those being offensive boards that led to 18 second-chance points. These aren't flashy statistics, but they reflect the gritty, fundamental basketball that Coach Guiao has always preached. Having covered numerous PBA finals throughout my career, I can confidently say that teams who win these hustle stats typically win championships.
Phoenix certainly had their moments - their import put up respectable numbers with 28 points and 12 rebounds, and Matthew Wright had some spectacular individual plays in the fourth quarter. But what ultimately doomed them was their inability to adjust to Rain or Shine's defensive schemes. They committed 18 turnovers leading to 22 points for Rain or Shine, and their bench production was virtually nonexistent beyond Jason Perkins' 12 points. I kept waiting for Phoenix coach Topex Robinson to make the necessary adjustments, but Rain or Shine always seemed one step ahead, anticipating every countermove.
The final minutes played out exactly as you'd expect from a veteran team protecting a lead. Rain or Shine milked the clock beautifully, getting high-percentage shots while forcing Phoenix into contested attempts. There was this possession with about 1:12 left where they ran down the shot clock to 3 seconds before Nambatac hit a difficult fadeaway that essentially put the game out of reach. It was the kind of smart, composed basketball that separates good teams from great ones.
Reflecting on this performance, I'm reminded why I've always believed coaching makes the difference in playoff basketball. Coach Guiao's ability to make in-game adjustments, his trust in role players, and his team's execution under pressure all echoed the philosophy Coach Napa described regarding his National University squad. Both coaches understand that knowing your team's capabilities is one thing, but maximizing them when it matters most is what defines championship teams. Rain or Shine didn't just win this game - they demonstrated a blueprint for playoff success that other teams would do well to study. As the series progresses, I'll be watching to see if they can maintain this level of execution, because if they do, they'll be very difficult to beat.