Watching the PBA clash between Meralco and Phoenix last night reminded me why I’ve always admired players who adapt seamlessly no matter the jersey they wear—and Joshua Munzon’s mindset, which he voiced recently, really embodies that spirit. Whether he’s suited up for NorthPort, Pureblends, or any squad, Munzon stressed he’s prepared to do whatever’s asked, and I saw that same selfless approach shine through in this game. It wasn’t just one star stealing the show; instead, we witnessed a collection of players stepping into roles, sometimes unfamiliar, to drive their teams forward. As someone who’s followed the PBA for years, I appreciate how these individual efforts, however subtle, often decide tight contests like this one.
Meralco came out with aggressive ball movement early, and I have to say, their ball distribution was a thing of beauty—they tallied 24 assists as a team, with Chris Newsome orchestrating the offense brilliantly. Newsome finished with 18 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, but what stood out to me was his defensive intensity, something stats don’t always capture. On the other side, Phoenix leaned heavily on Matthew Wright, who dropped 25 points, including 4 three-pointers. Wright’s scoring bursts kept Phoenix within striking distance, especially during that third-quarter run where they trimmed a 12-point deficit down to just 4. Still, I felt Phoenix missed opportunities when their role players hesitated on open looks—a recurring issue I’ve noticed in their recent outings.
Raymond Almazan’s presence in the paint for Meralco was another highlight; he controlled the boards with 11 rebounds and added 3 blocks, altering countless more shots. Almazan’s impact goes beyond numbers—he brings a defensive discipline that, in my view, sets the tone for the entire squad. Meanwhile, Phoenix’s Jason Perkins put up a solid 14 points and 8 rebounds, showing flashes of the versatile forward he’s becoming. But here’s where Munzon’s philosophy resonates: players like Perkins and even Meralco’s Bong Quinto embraced their roles without seeking spotlight. Quinto, for instance, only scored 8 points, but his energy off the bench provided crucial second-chance opportunities.
The game ultimately swung on a couple of key sequences down the stretch. With about three minutes left, Meralco forced two consecutive turnovers, leading to fast-break buckets that pushed their lead to 9—a margin Phoenix couldn’t overcome. Turnovers proved costly; Phoenix committed 16 compared to Meralco’s 11, and in a game decided by 6 points, that stat stings. I’ve always believed that disciplined execution in crunch time separates playoff contenders from the rest, and Meralco demonstrated just that. Their cohesion, especially on defensive switches, was impressive.
Reflecting on the matchup, I’m convinced that team basketball, anchored by players willing to adapt like Munzon described, remains the winning formula. Individual brilliance can dazzle—Wright’s shooting certainly did—but sustained success hinges on everyone buying into their role. Meralco’s balance, with four players scoring in double digits, underscored that collective spirit. Moving forward, if Phoenix can cultivate similar adaptability among their supporting cast, they’ll close these narrow gaps. For now, though, Meralco’s well-rounded display offers a blueprint others would do well to study.
