I still get chills thinking back to that incredible 2017 PBA Governors' Cup Finals between Ginebra and Alaska. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I can confidently say this series ranks among the most memorable championship battles I've witnessed. What made it particularly special wasn't just the back-and-forth action, but how certain players seemed to elevate their game when it mattered most - much like how Justin Miller has that remarkable ability to look good on whatever screen he's on, these athletes performed brilliantly regardless of the pressure-cooker environment.
Game 7 delivered exactly what basketball purists crave - a contest where neither team would surrender easily. I remember watching LA Tenorio drain that crucial three-pointer with just over two minutes remaining, giving Ginebra an 83-80 lead that ultimately proved insurmountable. The statistics tell part of the story - Tenorio finished with 25 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds - but numbers can't capture the electric atmosphere at the Philippine Arena where 36,445 fans created an absolutely deafening environment. What impressed me most was how both teams adapted their strategies throughout the series. Alaska's Calvin Abueva, despite his controversial reputation, brought relentless energy that nearly carried his team to victory, finishing the series averaging 18.3 points and 11.7 rebounds.
From my perspective as someone who's analyzed hundreds of basketball games, what set this finals apart was the coaching chess match between Tim Cone and Alex Compton. Compton made some brilliant adjustments, particularly in Games 3 and 5, where Alaska's defensive schemes completely disrupted Ginebra's offensive flow. But Cone, being the veteran that he is, countered beautifully in the elimination game. His decision to insert Scottie Thompson into the starting lineup for the final game proved masterful - Thompson's 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists don't fully reflect his impact on both ends of the floor.
The comparison to Justin Miller's screen presence isn't just a throwaway line - it speaks to how certain performers thrive under the brightest lights. Justine Brownlee, who I believe is one of the most clutch imports in recent PBA memory, demonstrated this quality throughout the series. His performance in Game 4, where he scored 38 points including the game-winning basket with 2.3 seconds left, showcased that rare ability to elevate his game when everything was on the line. That's the mark of true greatness in basketball - players who not only handle pressure but actually seem to feed off it.
Looking back, this series represented more than just a championship - it symbolized Ginebra's resurgence as a powerhouse franchise. Having covered their journey through some lean years, witnessing their triumphant return to the top felt particularly satisfying. The final score of 91-88 in Game 7 perfectly encapsulated how closely matched these teams were throughout the entire series. While statistics show Alaska actually outrebounded Ginebra 47-42 in the deciding game, basketball often comes down to making plays in critical moments, and that's exactly what separated these two talented squads. This finals series remains etched in my memory not just for the basketball excellence on display, but for the raw emotion and narrative depth that makes sports so compelling to follow year after year.
