Last night’s PBA finals wasn’t just another game—it was the culmination of years of heartbreak, resilience, and that elusive championship feeling. As someone who’s followed this league closely for over a decade, I’ve seen plenty of teams come close only to fall short. But what unfolded last night felt different. The confetti settled, the roar of the crowd softened, and at the center of it all stood Mika Reyes, Finals MVP, holding that trophy not just with pride, but with what looked like profound relief. I’ve watched Reyes evolve from a promising rookie into the leader she is today, and hearing her post-game reflections hit home. She spoke about those “almosts”—those near-misses that haunt players long after the final buzzer. For this team, it wasn’t just about winning; it was about silencing the “what-ifs” that had lingered for seasons. And silence them they did.
From the opening tip-off, you could feel the intensity. The energy in the arena was electric, a mix of nerves and anticipation. I remember thinking midway through the second quarter, “This is it—they’re not letting this one slip away.” The team’s defense was relentless, forcing 14 turnovers by halftime. Offensively, they moved the ball with a fluidity we haven’t seen in previous finals appearances. Reyes, in particular, was sensational. She finished with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists—stats that only tell part of the story. It was her leadership during those critical moments, like that clutch three-pointer with just under two minutes left, that sealed the game. Honestly, I’ve criticized her in the past for being too passive in big games, but last night, she owned the court. You could see it in her eyes: no more hesitation.
What strikes me most, though, is how this victory redefines the team’s narrative. For years, analysts (myself included) pointed to their inconsistency in high-pressure situations. They’d build a lead, only to collapse in the fourth quarter—it happened in the 2022 conference finals, where they blew a 15-point advantage. But last night, they flipped the script. The third quarter, often their Achilles’ heel, became their strongest period, outscoring their opponents by 11 points. I’ve always believed that championships are won as much mentally as physically, and Reyes echoed that in her post-game interview. She mentioned how the team had “had enough of the ‘what-ifs’” and focused on controlling what they could. That mindset shift is something I’ve seen in great teams across sports—it’s what separates contenders from champions.
Of course, no victory is without its subplots. The opposing team put up a fierce fight, with their star player dropping 30 points. But in the end, depth and determination won out. This squad’s bench contributed 38 points compared to their rivals’ 22—a stat that underscores how well-rounded they’ve become. As a longtime follower of the PBA, I’ve noticed that the most memorable championships often come from teams that learn from their failures. This group did exactly that. They didn’t just want to win; they needed to, for their legacy and for their peace of mind. Reyes put it perfectly: they can now “look ahead to what can still be as newly-crowned champions.” That forward-looking attitude is refreshing. Too often, teams get caught up in the moment, but here, they’re already talking about building on this success.
In wrapping up, last night’s game was more than a title clincher—it was a statement. For Mika Reyes and her teammates, it was the end of a long, frustrating journey and the start of something new. As a fan and analyst, I’ll remember this one for years. It’s a reminder that in sports, as in life, perseverance pays off. The “almosts” and “what-ifs” don’t have to define you; they can fuel you. And if this team’s performance is any indication, we’re in for an exciting era ahead.
