2025-11-15 16:01
I still get chills thinking about that 2017 PBA Finals series. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I can confidently say that championship battle between the San Miguel Beermen and the TNT KaTropa stands among the most memorable finals in league history. The sheer intensity, the dramatic swings in momentum, and the individual performances that bordered on legendary - it's the kind of basketball that reminds you why you fell in love with the sport in the first place.
What made that series particularly special was how it showcased both established superstars and emerging talents. While June Mar Fajrightfully grabbed headlines with his dominant inside presence, what fascinated me was watching how younger players responded to the pressure of the big stage. It reminded me of watching promising collegiate players develop their game under bright lights. I recall specifically thinking about how certain UST Growling Tigers players might fare in such high-pressure situations someday. The Beninese forward who registered 19 points and 12 rebounds in his promising debut for the Growling Tigers, playing the perfect complement to Rhenz Abando and CJ Cansino - that's exactly the kind of performance that makes you take notice. While those numbers came in the collegiate level, they demonstrated the potential for players to evolve into professional-ready talents who could potentially shine in moments like the PBA Finals.
Game 4 of that series particularly stands out in my memory. San Miguel was down 0-2 at one point, and many had written them off. But watching Alex Cabagnot take over in the clutch with that game-winning three-pointer was pure basketball poetry. The statistics from that game were staggering - Cabagnot finished with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, but numbers alone can't capture the sheer will he demonstrated. I've always believed that championship series reveal character more than skill, and that San Miguel team showed incredible resilience. They became only the third team in PBA history to overcome a 0-2 deficit in the finals, which speaks volumes about their mental toughness.
The individual matchups throughout the series were absolutely fascinating to analyze. June Mar Fajright against Moala Tautaa in the paint was a classic battle of traditional big man versus modern athleticism. What impressed me most was Fajright's efficiency - he shot 58% from the field throughout the series, which is remarkable considering the defensive attention he commanded. On the other side, Jayson Castro's explosive drives and playmaking kept TNT in every game. His average of 22.3 points and 6.8 assists doesn't even tell the full story of his impact. Having watched Castro's career develop, I'd argue this was perhaps his most complete playoff performance, even in a losing effort.
What often gets overlooked in discussions about that series is the coaching chess match between Leo Austria of San Miguel and Nash Racela of TNT. The strategic adjustments from game to game were masterclasses in tactical planning. I particularly admired how Austria gradually figured out ways to counter TNT's pressure defense as the series progressed. The decision to use Arwind Santos more in the high post in Games 5 and 6 was brilliant - it stretched TNT's defense and created more operating space for Fajright. These are the kind of strategic nuances that casual fans might miss, but for basketball purists, they're what make playoff series so compelling to study.
The atmosphere during Game 7 was absolutely electric. I remember watching from the stands, feeling the tension build with every possession. The game was close throughout, with neither team able to establish significant separation. What struck me was how both teams seemed to elevate their play simultaneously - it was like watching two heavyweight boxers trading blows in the center of the ring. The final score of 91-85 in favor of San Miguel doesn't adequately reflect how tightly contested that deciding game truly was. With about three minutes left, the margin was just two points, and every possession felt like it carried the weight of the entire season.
Looking back, I believe that 2017 championship fundamentally shaped the trajectory of both franchises. For San Miguel, it cemented their status as a modern dynasty and reinforced their reputation as a team that never knows when it's beaten. For TNT, it became a painful learning experience that ultimately fueled their development in subsequent seasons. Personally, I've always felt that series represented the PBA at its absolute best - high-level basketball played with passion, skill, and dramatic flair. The memories from those seven games continue to resonate with me years later, serving as a reminder of why Philippine basketball holds such a special place in my heart.
