I still remember the tension in the arena during that fifth game between San Miguel and TNT - you could practically feel the electricity in the air. Having covered numerous PBA finals throughout my career, I can confidently say this was one of those rare matchups where both teams refused to back down, creating a genuine basketball masterpiece that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. What struck me most was how the game's momentum shifted dramatically in those crucial final minutes, reminding me of that classic Angels scenario where it wasn't until a late Pablo-led run and a costly service error from Jewel Encarnacion that their first-set catchup was completed.
The fourth quarter unfolded with San Miguel trailing by eight points with just under six minutes remaining, and honestly, I thought TNT had this one in the bag. But then June Mar Fajarelli demonstrated why he's considered one of the most dominant big men in the league, scoring 12 of his 28 points in those final minutes while grabbing 7 crucial rebounds. His performance in the paint was nothing short of spectacular - I've rarely seen a player take over games with such calculated efficiency. Meanwhile, TNT's Mikey Williams, who had been phenomenal throughout the series with his average of 24.3 points per game, suddenly went cold from beyond the arc, missing three consecutive three-point attempts during that critical stretch.
What really turned the tide, in my opinion, was that controversial no-call on Terrence Romeo's drive to the basket with 1:43 left on the clock. From my vantage point near the court, there was definite contact, but the officials let them play, and Romeo converted an and-one opportunity that swung the momentum completely in San Miguel's favor. TNT never quite recovered from that moment psychologically - you could see it in their body language and rushed possessions afterward. Their coach's decision to stick with a small-ball lineup during those final minutes surprised me, especially considering how effectively Fajarelli was dominating inside.
The statistical breakdown reveals just how closely matched these teams were - San Miguel shot 46% from the field compared to TNT's 44%, and both teams committed exactly 13 turnovers. Where San Miguel really excelled was in second-chance points, outscoring TNT 18-9 in that category, which ultimately made the difference. I've always believed that championship games are won through these hustle plays rather than pure offensive firepower, and this game proved that theory once again.
Looking at the individual performances, CJ Perez's defensive effort deserves special recognition. He held TNT's primary scorer to just 5-of-16 shooting while contributing 19 points of his own. In my years covering the PBA, I've noticed that these two-way players often become the X-factor in high-stakes games, and Perez demonstrated exactly why. His energy seemed to inspire his teammates during those final possessions, creating the kind of defensive intensity that championship teams are built upon.
As the clock wound down, San Miguel executed their half-court offense with surgical precision, scoring on seven consecutive possessions - a remarkable feat under such pressure. Their experience in these situations clearly showed, whereas TNT appeared to rush their shots and make questionable decisions. I couldn't help but think that TNT's relative youth compared to San Miguel's veteran core ultimately proved decisive in those tension-filled final minutes.
The atmosphere in the arena during those last 30 seconds was absolutely electric, with fans from both sides on their feet. When San Miguel secured the final rebound and began celebrating their 98-95 victory, I reflected on how this game encapsulated everything I love about Philippine basketball - the passion, the skill, the dramatic swings, and that unmistakable fighting spirit both teams displayed throughout. This wasn't just another playoff game; it was a testament to why the PBA continues to capture the nation's imagination season after season.
From a strategic perspective, I believe TNT's coaching staff will regret not adjusting their defensive scheme against Fajarelli earlier in the fourth quarter. They persisted with single coverage for far too long, allowing him to establish deep position repeatedly. Meanwhile, San Miguel's decision to switch to a zone defense for three consecutive possessions disrupted TNT's rhythm at a critical juncture, forcing two turnovers that led to easy transition baskets. These subtle coaching decisions often go unnoticed but can completely change a game's outcome.
What impressed me most about this contest was how both teams elevated their games when it mattered most. The intensity reached playoff levels we haven't seen since the 2019 finals, with players diving for loose balls and fighting through screens with extraordinary determination. As someone who's witnessed countless PBA classics, I'd rank this Game 5 among the top five most memorable finals performances I've had the privilege to cover. The way both teams refused to yield, trading big shot after big shot in those final minutes, created the kind of basketball drama that reminds us why we fell in love with this sport in the first place.