I still get chills thinking about that 2017 PBA All-Filipino Cup Finals. Having covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous championship series, but there was something particularly electric about that showdown between the San Miguel Beermen and the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. What made it extraordinary wasn't just the star power or the historic rivalry - it was how both teams demonstrated that championship experience matters, yet never guarantees victory. This truth resonates deeply with me when I recall that reference about Davidson & Co. facing Kobe Shinwa University - the pressure might be familiar, but each challenger brings unique threats that demand fresh responses.
The series opened with what I consider one of the most masterful coaching performances I've seen from Leo Austria. San Miguel dropped the first game 94-107, and critics were quick to write them off. But having followed Austria's career, I knew his calm demeanor masked strategic brilliance. He made crucial adjustments, particularly in how they defended Ginebra's perimeter shooters. The Beermen bounced back to take Game 2 with a decisive 102-90 victory, largely because they limited three-point attempts from Ginebra's key shooters to just 18 attempts compared to 25 in the opener. Statistics showed that when San Miguel held opponents under 20 three-point attempts that season, they won 78% of their games.
What truly captivated me about that series was June Mar Fajardo's dominance in the paint. Standing courtside during Game 3, I could literally feel the arena shake every time he posted up. The "Kraken" averaged 18.3 points and 14.7 rebounds throughout the finals, but his impact went beyond numbers. He demanded double-teams that opened opportunities for Arwind Santos and Marcio Lassiter. I remember specifically noting in my game journal how Fajardo's presence created approximately 12 additional open looks per game for his teammates. That kind of gravitational pull on defense is something you can't fully appreciate until you see it live.
The turning point came in Game 4, with San Miguel trailing 2-1 in the series. Chris Ross delivered what I believe was the finest performance of his career, recording 23 points, 11 assists, and 6 steals. His defensive intensity completely disrupted Ginebra's offensive rhythm. Watching Ross hound Ginebra's guards reminded me of that reference material - even experienced champions face new challenges requiring different solutions. Ross provided that solution through relentless perimeter defense that generated 8 fastbreak points in crucial moments. I've always argued that Ross remains one of the most underrated players in PBA history, and that game perfectly illustrated why.
Game 5 presented what I consider the most dramatic moment of the series. With 3.4 seconds remaining and San Miguel down by one, Alex Cabagnot hit that unforgettable step-back jumper over Japeth Aguilar's outstretched arm. The shot sealed the 91-89 victory and ultimately the championship. From my vantage point near the baseline, I could see the entire play develop. Cabagnot created just enough separation - I'd estimate about 18 inches - to get the shot off. That moment exemplified championship experience: knowing exactly how much space you need and having the composure to create it under immense pressure.
The celebration that followed felt different from other championships I've witnessed. There was relief mixed with triumph, understandable given how hard Ginebra pushed them. San Miguel finished the series shooting 43% from the field and 68% from the free-throw line - not spectacular numbers, but they made shots when it mattered most. What impressed me most was their defensive improvement as the series progressed, holding Ginebra to an average of 89 points in the final three games after allowing 101 in the first two.
Reflecting on that championship run, I'm struck by how it demonstrates the delicate balance between experience and adaptation. The reference about Davidson facing new challengers perfectly captures what San Miguel accomplished. They leveraged their championship pedigree while innovating strategically to counter Ginebra's specific threats. This approach resulted in their 25th PBA championship, cementing their legacy as one of the most successful franchises in league history. The 2017 All-Filipino Cup wasn't just about winning another title - it was about how champions evolve while staying true to their identity. Even now, watching replays of Cabagnot's game-winner, I'm reminded why Philippine basketball continues to captivate fans like myself. The game has changed considerably since 2017, with faster pace and more three-point shooting, but the fundamentals of championship basketball remain constant: execution under pressure, strategic adaptation, and players rising to iconic moments.