2025-11-04 10:00
by
nlpkak
Let me tell you, yesterday's PBA action was something special - the kind of basketball that reminds you why we love this sport. As someone who's been covering Philippine basketball for over fifteen years, I've seen my fair share of games, but yesterday's matchups had that electric atmosphere that only comes when every possession matters. I was watching from my usual spot in the media section, notebook in hand, trying to capture every moment while my phone buzzed relentlessly with messages from fellow basketball enthusiasts wanting my take on the unfolding drama.
The main event featured San Miguel Beermen going head-to-head with TNT Tropang Giga in what turned out to be an absolute thriller. What struck me immediately was the pace - both teams were pushing the ball like it was the first quarter of Game 7, not a regular season matchup. June Mar Fajardo, that mountain of a man, was simply unstoppable in the paint, finishing with 28 points and 15 rebounds by my count. But here's what really impressed me - at 34, he's moving with the same purpose and intensity he had a decade ago. It got me thinking about longevity in this league, and how some players just seem to defy Father Time.
Speaking of veteran presence, I couldn't help but recall my conversation with Mick Pennisi just last month. The man's 47 now and still talking about wanting to contribute to a PBA roster. Watching yesterday's games, I saw exactly why teams might still value that kind of experience. There were moments where younger players made decisions that had me shaking my head - rushed shots, defensive miscommunications, the kind of mistakes that veterans like Pennisi simply don't make. In the third quarter of the Rain or Shine versus NorthPort game, there was a sequence where both teams traded three consecutive turnovers each. That's six possessions without a single shot attempt! In those moments, you realize how much a steady veteran hand could stabilize things.
The numbers from yesterday's double-header were staggering if you really look at them. The San Miguel-TNT game saw 14 lead changes and 8 ties before San Miguel finally pulled away in the final two minutes. They shot 48% from the field as a team, which is impressive considering TNT's defensive pressure. But what really stood out to me was the three-point shooting - both teams combined for 28 made threes on 65 attempts. That's modern basketball for you, though I have to admit part of me misses the days when games were won primarily in the paint.
In the second game, NorthPort's Robert Bolick put on a show that had everyone in the arena on their feet. The kid finished with 39 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds - just phenomenal numbers. But you know what caught my eye? His decision-making in crunch time. With 1:14 left on the clock and his team down by two, he drove into the lane, drew three defenders, and kicked it out to an open teammate for a corner three. That's high-level basketball IQ that you typically see from veterans who've been through countless battles. It's plays like that which make me believe he's ready for the international stage.
I've always believed that the PBA's unique blend of young talent and experienced veterans creates the most entertaining basketball in the region. Yesterday proved that theory right yet again. Watching these games, I found myself thinking about how the league has evolved while still maintaining its core identity. The pace is faster, the shooting is better, but the physicality and heart remain the same. There were moments when players were diving for loose balls like it was the championship, and that kind of effort is what separates the PBA from other leagues in my opinion.
The attendance numbers were particularly impressive for a regular season night - approximately 12,800 fans packed the arena, creating an atmosphere that reminded me of the 2016 Commissioner's Cup finals. That's the thing about Philippine basketball fans - they know the game, they're passionate, and they'll show up even on a weekday night. I spoke with several fans during halftime, and their knowledge of the game constantly amazes me. One gentleman in his sixties broke down NorthPort's defensive schemes better than some analysts I know!
Looking at the bigger picture, yesterday's results have significant implications for the standings. San Miguel's victory pushes them to 7-2 for the conference, while TNT drops to 5-4. In the second game, NorthPort's win gives them a 6-3 record, keeping them in contention for a top four spot. These might seem like just numbers, but having covered the league for so long, I can tell you that every single win matters when you're trying to secure playoff positioning. The difference between finishing fourth and fifth could mean facing an entirely different matchup come postseason.
What I find most fascinating about covering the PBA is witnessing how the game continues to evolve while honoring its traditions. Yesterday's games featured analytics-driven strategies - more three-point attempts, faster pace - but also showcased the fundamental basketball that has always defined Philippine hoops. The pick-and-roll execution, the defensive rotations, the way players communicate on court - these elements remain as crucial as ever. It's this balance between innovation and tradition that makes the PBA so compelling to watch year after year.
As I left the arena last night, I found myself reflecting on something a coach told me years ago: basketball in the Philippines isn't just a sport, it's a conversation that spans generations. Yesterday proved him right yet again. From the veteran moves that had older fans nodding in appreciation to the explosive plays that had younger supporters screaming in excitement, the PBA continues to be that rare space where different generations connect through their love of the game. And if yesterday's action is any indication, we're in for an incredible rest of the season.
