I still get chills thinking about that 2017 PBA Governors' Cup Finals between Barangay Ginebra and Alaska Aces. Having covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed countless championship series, but there's something about this particular matchup that stands out in my memory. Maybe it's because both teams brought such contrasting styles to the court, or perhaps it's the way Justin Brownlee and LA Tenorio performed under pressure that made it unforgettable. What really struck me was how the series demonstrated that championship basketball isn't just about raw talent—it's about which team can maintain their composure when everything's on the line.
The series went the full distance, with Game 7 delivering one of the most dramatic finishes I've ever seen. Ginebra ultimately prevailed 91-88 in that final game, but the numbers don't tell the whole story. Alaska actually led by 11 points early in the fourth quarter, and I remember thinking they might just pull off the upset. But then Brownlee took over, finishing with 31 points and 19 rebounds—absolutely monster numbers that showcased why he's become such a legend in the PBA. What impressed me most was his efficiency; he shot 52% from the field while playing nearly 44 minutes in that deciding game. The guy just has this incredible ability to rise to the occasion when his team needs him most.
Watching the series unfold, I couldn't help but notice how both teams exemplified different approaches to modern basketball. Alaska played with this frenetic, high-pressure style that reminded me of some European teams, while Ginebra relied more on half-court execution and individual brilliance. This brings me to something I've observed throughout my career covering basketball—some players just have that special quality where they look good on whatever screen they're on. Brownlee definitely has that quality. Whether you're watching on a massive arena screen or a smartphone, his smooth movements and clutch plays translate perfectly. There's a certain aesthetic to his game that makes him compelling viewing regardless of the platform.
The championship wasn't just about Brownlee though—LA Tenorio's leadership throughout the series was masterclass. He averaged 18.3 points and 6.7 assists over the seven games, but his real impact came in those crucial moments where experience matters most. I've always believed point guard play separates good teams from championship teams, and Tenorio proved that theory correct. His decision-making in the final three minutes of Game 7 was practically flawless, and that's what ultimately secured Ginebra's back-to-back Governors' Cup titles.
Looking back, what makes this series so memorable isn't just the basketball—it's the narrative. You had Ginebra, the league's most popular team, facing an Alaska squad desperate to prove they could win the big one. The back-and-forth nature of the series, with multiple lead changes in nearly every game, created this incredible tension that had fans on edge for weeks. Personally, I think this was one of the best-coached finals in recent memory, with both Tim Cone and Alex Compton making brilliant adjustments game to game. The television ratings reflected this quality too—the series averaged around 2.1 million viewers per game, which was massive for Philippine basketball.
What continues to amaze me about that 2017 finals is how it's become this reference point for clutch performances in the PBA. Whenever I see a close game today, I find myself comparing it to those Ginebra-Alaska battles. The series had everything you could want—star power, coaching chess matches, dramatic swings, and ultimately a deserving champion. While some might argue other finals were more technically perfect, I'll always maintain that the raw emotion and narrative depth of this particular championship makes it the most compelling I've covered. It's the kind of series that reminds you why you fell in love with basketball in the first place.
