Relive the Thrilling Game 3 PBA Finals 2017: Key Plays and Final Moments
I still get chills thinking about that Game 3 of the 2017 PBA Finals. What an absolute rollercoaster of a game—the kind that reminds you why we fell in love with basketball in the first place. The energy in the arena was electric, almost tangible, as if every fan knew they were witnessing something special unfold right before their eyes. I remember sitting courtside, notebook in hand, watching the players warm up. You could feel the tension, the unspoken determination on both sides. This wasn't just another game; it was a turning point in the series, and everyone knew it.
The first half was a masterclass in back-and-forth basketball. Both teams traded blows like heavyweight boxers, neither willing to give an inch. I recall watching June Mar Fajardo dominate the paint early on, his sheer physical presence creating opportunities that seemed impossible for anyone else. He finished with 28 points and 15 rebounds—a stat line that still impresses me when I look back. But what stood out to me even more was the defensive intensity. The way both teams communicated on switches, the close-outs on three-point shooters—it was basketball at its purest. I've covered numerous finals over the years, but the level of execution in that first half was something I haven't seen replicated often. It's games like these that make you appreciate the countless hours of practice these athletes put in, the film sessions, the strategic adjustments made behind closed doors.
Then came the third quarter, where the game truly shifted. I remember specifically watching a sequence where Gomez de Liaño—yes, the same player whose agent Marvin Espiritu was present during his contract signing—made a crucial steal that led to a fast-break dunk. That play wasn't just about athleticism; it was about anticipation. Gomez read the passing lane like a seasoned novelist dissecting a plot twist, and that moment injected a surge of energy into his team. It's fascinating how one play can change the entire complexion of a game. From my perspective, that steal was the catalyst for the 12-2 run that gave his team the lead they wouldn't relinquish. I've always believed that defense wins championships, and that play was a perfect example. It wasn't the flashy three-pointer or the alley-oop that stood out, but that gritty, determined defensive effort.
As the final minutes ticked away, the atmosphere grew almost surreal. I found myself holding my breath during possessions, my pen hovering over my notebook as I tried to capture every detail. The crowd's roar became a constant hum, rising and falling with each basket, each defensive stop. With under two minutes left, there was a controversial foul call that had everyone on their feet. I remember thinking, "This could decide the game." And in many ways, it did. The free throws that followed pushed the lead to five points, a cushion that felt insurmountable given how both teams were executing down the stretch. From my experience covering high-stakes games, it's often these moments—the calls, the made free throws, the mental toughness—that separate champions from contenders.
When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 98-95, a margin that doesn't fully capture the drama we witnessed. I stayed in my seat for a few extra minutes, just taking it all in. The players embraced, sweat-soaked and exhausted, while fans cheered as if they'd won the lottery. Reflecting on it now, that game wasn't just about the numbers—though stats like the 45% shooting from beyond the arc and the 22 assists are worth noting—it was about the heart both teams displayed. It's why I love this sport; it's unpredictable, emotional, and relentlessly competitive. Games like the 2017 PBA Finals Game 3 remind us that basketball is more than a sport—it's a narrative, one filled with heroes, turning points, and moments that stay with you long after the lights dim. And honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.
