As I settled into my seat for Game 5 of the PBA Finals between Meralco and Ginebra, I couldn't help but reflect on how championship moments often mirror the journey of recovery and resilience. Watching these two powerhouse teams battle for the Commissioner's Cup trophy reminded me of that powerful quote from tennis star Naomi Osaka about rehabilitation: "I'm doing really good. I had the best rehab somebody could wish for." Both teams demonstrated throughout this series what it means to undergo their own form of rehabilitation - transforming weaknesses into strengths, adjusting strategies, and pushing through physical and mental barriers to reach peak performance when it mattered most.
The game started with Meralco showing incredible defensive intensity, holding Ginebra to just 18 points in the first quarter while putting up 25 themselves. What impressed me most was how Meralco's import, Allen Durham, seemed to have learned from previous games, adjusting his approach to counter Ginebra's defensive schemes. His rehabilitation as a player in this series has been remarkable to watch. He finished the first half with 16 points and 9 rebounds, demonstrating the kind of growth that separates good players from great ones in pressure situations. On the other side, Justin Brownlee, Ginebra's legendary import, started slowly but began finding his rhythm as the game progressed, showing why he's considered one of the most clutch performers in PBA history.
What struck me about this particular game was how both teams embodied that rehabilitation mindset Osaka described. When Ginebra went on a 12-2 run in the third quarter to take their first lead since the opening minutes, Meralco didn't panic. Instead, they demonstrated the mental toughness they've developed throughout this series, responding with their own 8-0 run to regain control. Chris Newsome, who I believe has been underrated throughout his career, made several crucial plays during this stretch, finishing with 22 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. His development into a legitimate star has been one of the most satisfying narratives of this entire conference.
The fourth quarter was where championship legacies are forged, and tonight was no exception. With 3:42 remaining and Ginebra trailing by 4, Scottie Thompson, last season's MVP, made back-to-back three-pointers that sent the crowd into absolute frenzy. The energy in the arena was electric, reminding everyone why this rivalry has become must-see basketball. Thompson finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, coming painfully close to what would have been a legendary triple-double in a championship-clinching game. His performance tonight cemented his status as one of the premier guards in the league, and honestly, I think he's on track to become one of the all-time Ginebra greats if he continues at this level.
Meralco's response to Ginebra's late surge was what championship teams are made of. Instead of folding under pressure, they executed their offense with precision, getting crucial baskets from Allein Maliksi and Raymond Almazan when they needed them most. Almazan's contribution of 14 points and 12 rebounds, including 3 critical offensive boards in the final minutes, provided the extra possessions that ultimately made the difference. His rehabilitation from earlier injuries has been instrumental to Meralco's success, and tonight he looked every bit the dominant big man they envisioned when they acquired him.
The final two minutes were a masterclass in championship execution from both teams. With Meralco clinging to a 2-point lead and the shot clock winding down, Aaron Black made a difficult contested jumper that essentially sealed the game. That shot exemplified the growth I've seen in Black throughout this conference - from a role player to someone who can be trusted with the game on the line. On the ensuing possession, LA Tenorio attempted a three-pointer that would have given Ginebra the lead, but it rimmed out, and Meralco secured the rebound. Tenorio finished with 15 points, but his 2-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc proved costly in such a close game.
As the final seconds ticked away and Meralco celebrated their first PBA championship in franchise history, I couldn't help but think about the journey both teams had taken to reach this moment. Meralco's rehabilitation from perennial contenders to champions mirrors that quote about having the best rehab possible - they learned from their previous failures, addressed their weaknesses, and built a team capable of winning when it mattered most. Their shooting percentages tell the story - 46% from the field compared to Ginebra's 41%, and a crucial 38% from three-point range versus Ginebra's 31%. Those numbers might seem small, but in a championship game decided by 4 points, they made all the difference.
What makes this victory particularly meaningful is how Meralco overcame their historical struggles against Ginebra in high-pressure situations. Before tonight, they had lost their previous 3 finals meetings with Ginebra, making this victory especially sweet for the franchise and their long-suffering fans. Coach Norman Black, who I've always respected for his strategic mind, finally got the championship that had eluded him with this core group of players. His adjustments throughout the series, particularly how he managed his rotation to keep key players fresh for crunch time, was nothing short of brilliant. The decision to play Durham for 42 minutes despite foul trouble showed tremendous trust in his import, and that trust was rewarded with a 28-point, 15-rebound performance that earned him Finals MVP honors.
Looking back at this series, I'm struck by how both teams embodied different aspects of that rehabilitation concept. For Meralco, it was about rehabilitating their reputation as a team that couldn't win the big one. For Ginebra, it was about rehabilitating their performance after losing Game 4 in disappointing fashion. While Ginebra came up short tonight, their resilience in fighting back from multiple deficits shows why they remain one of the most respected franchises in the league. Japeth Aguilar's 17 points and 9 rebounds, though ultimately not enough, demonstrated the heart that has made him a fan favorite throughout his career.
As the confetti settled and the celebration began, I found myself appreciating what this championship means for the landscape of the PBA. Meralco's breakthrough victory proves that with the right combination of talent, coaching, and belief, any team can overcome historical hurdles. Their journey reminds me that the best rehabilitation often comes not from avoiding challenges, but from confronting them directly and growing through the process. This game, this series, and ultimately this championship will be remembered not just for the trophy, but for demonstrating how teams and players can transform themselves through determination and resilience. The final score of 93-89 doesn't fully capture the drama, the intensity, or the significance of what we witnessed tonight - a team completing their rehabilitation from contenders to champions.
