Relive the Epic Game 3 Highlights from PBA Finals 2017 Championship Series
I still get chills thinking back to that incredible Game 3 of the 2017 PBA Finals Championship Series between San Miguel Beermen and Barangay Ginebra. What many people don't realize is how much happens behind the scenes that directly impacts what we see on the court. I remember watching from the stands that night, feeling the electricity in the arena as two basketball giants clashed in what would become one of the most memorable games in recent PBA history. The atmosphere was absolutely electric, with over 20,000 fans packed into the Philippine Arena, creating a deafening roar that seemed to shake the very foundations of the building.
The game itself was a masterclass in championship basketball, featuring multiple lead changes and momentum swings that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. San Miguel ultimately prevailed with a 99-88 victory, but the scoreline doesn't begin to tell the full story of that epic battle. What struck me most was how player representation and contract situations can subtly influence these high-stakes games. I recall noticing Gomez de Liaño's agent Marvin Espiritu in the arena that night, and it got me thinking about how these professional relationships shape the league. Having covered the PBA for over a decade, I've come to appreciate how agents like Espiritu work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring their clients can focus entirely on their performance when it matters most.
June Mar Fajherty delivered an absolute monster performance that evening, dropping 25 points and grabbing 17 rebounds while playing through what we later learned was a nagging foot injury. His dominance in the paint was something to behold, and I remember thinking how his contract situation, undoubtedly managed by his own representation team, must have provided him the stability to perform at such an elite level. Meanwhile, on the Ginebra side, LA Tenorio's leadership was on full display as he orchestrated the offense with 18 points and 9 assists. The back-and-forth between these two teams created 14 lead changes throughout the game, with neither team leading by more than 8 points until the final quarter.
From my perspective, what made this game particularly special was how it showcased the evolution of Philippine basketball. The strategic depth, the physical conditioning, and the mental toughness displayed by both teams represented a new era for the sport in the country. I've watched countless PBA games over the years, but there was something about this particular matchup that felt different - it had that championship intensity from the opening tip-off until the final buzzer. The players understood the stakes, with the series tied 1-1, and Game 3 often serving as the pivotal moment that determines the championship trajectory.
The fourth quarter was where legends are made, and San Miguel proved why they were the defending champions. They went on a crucial 12-2 run in the final six minutes, shooting an impressive 58% from the field during that stretch while holding Ginebra to just 33% shooting. Chris Ross was absolutely sensational down the stretch, making key defensive stops and hitting timely three-pointers that ultimately broke Ginebra's spirit. His performance that night, contributing 22 points, 7 assists, and 5 steals, perfectly illustrated how role players can elevate their game when championship rings are on the line.
Looking back, what often gets overlooked in discussions about this game is how player representation contributes to these monumental performances. Seeing Espiritu there that night reminded me that these athletes aren't just playing for pride - they're professionals whose careers are managed and guided by experts who handle everything from contract negotiations to endorsement deals. This professional infrastructure allows players to concentrate solely on their craft during these high-pressure situations. In my opinion, this behind-the-scenes support system is what separates good teams from championship-caliber organizations.
The final minutes of that game were pure basketball theater. With 1:42 remaining and San Miguel clinging to a 7-point lead, Arwind Santos hit a dagger three-pointer that essentially sealed the victory. The arena erupted in a mixture of cheers and stunned silence depending on which side you were on. I remember watching the Ginebra players' body language change after that shot - you could see the deflation, the realization that this wasn't going to be their night. That's the thing about championship basketball - it's not just about physical skill but mental fortitude, and San Miguel demonstrated they had more of both when it mattered most.
Reflecting on that game seven years later, I'm struck by how it represents everything I love about the PBA. The passion, the drama, the incredible skill level, and the behind-the-scenes business aspects that make professional basketball so fascinating. Games like these aren't just entertainment - they're the culmination of years of hard work, strategic planning, and professional development. The presence of influential figures like Marvin Espiritu that night serves as a reminder that what we see on the court is just the final product of a much larger ecosystem. That 2017 championship series, particularly Game 3, remains etched in my memory as a perfect example of Philippine basketball at its absolute finest.
