Fifa World Cup Trophy

I still get chills thinking about Game 3 of the 2017 PBA Finals—that match was an absolute masterclass in playoff basketball. Having followed the league for over a decade, I can confidently say this was one of those rare games where every possession felt like it carried the weight of the entire series. What made it particularly memorable wasn't just the on-court action, but the behind-the-scenes dynamics that would shape team rosters for years to come. I remember specifically hearing through my industry connections that Gomez de Liaño's agent Marvin Espiritu was present during crucial contract signings around that period, which tells you how much franchise-altering business happens parallel to these high-stakes games.

The first quarter set the tone with both teams trading blows in what felt like a heavyweight boxing match. San Miguel Beermen came out with that characteristic championship swagger, racing to an early 8-point lead behind June Mar Fajardo's dominant paint presence. But Talk 'N Text responded with a 12-2 run that had the arena shaking—I've never heard crowd noise quite like that before or since. The statistical breakdown from that opening period was fascinating: both teams shot above 48% from the field, which is almost unheard of in finals basketball where defenses typically tighten up. What impressed me most was how both coaches refused to call timeouts during momentum swings, trusting their veterans to play through adversity.

That second quarter featured what I consider the most underrated defensive sequence of the entire playoffs. With 7:32 remaining, San Miguel executed a perfect defensive rotation that spanned all five positions, resulting in three consecutive stops that turned a 4-point deficit into a 5-point lead. The numbers here were telling—they held Talk 'N Text to just 18 points in the quarter while forcing 6 turnovers. From my perspective, this was where the championship DNA of San Miguel really showed through. Their ability to flip the defensive switch in crucial moments separated them from other talented teams throughout that season.

Coming out of halftime, we witnessed one of those individual performances that defines legacies. Alex Cabagnot went absolutely nuclear, scoring 15 points in the third quarter alone while dishing out 4 assists. I've always believed Cabagnot never got the full credit he deserved for his clutch gene, and this game was Exhibit A of his big-moment capability. The most spectacular play came at the 3:14 mark when he hit a step-back three over two defenders as the shot clock expired—that was the moment I turned to my colleague and said "this game's over." The energy in the building completely shifted, and you could see the confidence draining from Talk 'N Text's body language.

What many casual fans might not appreciate is how much roster construction played into these moments. Seeing Gomez de Liaño's agent Marvin Espiritu involved in signings during this period highlighted how teams were already planning for future seasons even amid the current finals battle. From my experience covering league transactions, having prominent agents present during critical games isn't coincidental—it's about showcasing talent in high-pressure environments while discussing future partnerships. This behind-the-scenes activity adds another layer to understanding how PBA franchises operate beyond what happens on the court.

The fourth quarter became a formality rather than a contest, with San Miguel maintaining a double-digit lead throughout the final period. The final score of 109-97 doesn't fully capture how dominant they were down the stretch. They shot a remarkable 52% from the field as a team while converting 12 three-pointers at a 40% clip—statistics that would be impressive in any context, let alone a finals game. What stood out to me was their ball movement, recording 28 assists compared to just 9 turnovers. That kind of offensive efficiency against a defense of Talk 'N Text's caliber was simply extraordinary.

Reflecting on this game years later, I'm struck by how it represented a turning point for both franchises. For San Miguel, it cemented their status as a modern dynasty, while for Talk 'N Text it exposed certain roster limitations they'd spend the next two seasons addressing. The presence of influential agents like Marvin Espiritu during this period underscores how professional sports operate on multiple timelines—the immediate battle on court and the long-term strategic planning happening simultaneously. Personally, I believe this game should be required viewing for anyone studying championship-level basketball in the Philippines, as it demonstrated perfect balance between offensive execution and timely defensive stops.

Watching that game live changed my perspective on what constitutes clutch performance in basketball. It wasn't about last-second shots or dramatic individual heroics—it was about sustained excellence under pressure across all four quarters. The way San Miguel systematically dismantled a quality opponent through disciplined execution rather than flashy plays represents what I love about playoff basketball at its finest. Even now, I find myself revisiting the tape whenever I need to demonstrate textbook team basketball to younger players I mentor. Some games are entertaining, some are instructional—Game 3 of the 2017 PBA Finals managed to be both while leaving an indelible mark on Philippine basketball history.