PBA Finals 2017 Highlights: Top Plays and Game-Winning Moments Revealed

I still remember the tension in the air during that 2017 PBA Finals like it was yesterday. As someone who's been covering Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed countless championship series, but there was something particularly electric about that showdown between the San Miguel Beermen and the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. The way those two powerhouse teams traded blows throughout the series created some of the most memorable basketball moments I've ever had the privilege to witness firsthand.

The series opener set the tone perfectly - a back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. What struck me most was June Mar Fajardo's dominance in the paint. The Kraken finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds that night, but numbers alone don't capture how he completely controlled the game's tempo. I recall watching from courtside as he established position, knowing exactly what was coming next but completely powerless to stop it as a spectator. His footwork in the post was nothing short of artistry - something young players should study frame by frame. Meanwhile, on the other side, Justin Brownlee was putting on an absolute clinic, scoring 28 points while playing nearly the entire game. The way these two foreign reinforcements elevated their games when it mattered most reminded me of something I'd recently observed in collegiate basketball - that promising Beninese forward who registered 19 points and 12 rebounds in his debut for the Growling Tigers, playing the perfect complement to Rhenz Abando and CJ Cansino. There's something special about international players who immediately understand how to mesh with local talent, creating that magical chemistry that separates good teams from championship contenders.

Game 2 delivered what I consider one of the most spectacular game-winning moments in recent PBA history. With just 4.3 seconds remaining and Ginebra down by one, LA Tenorio inbounded the ball to Brownlee, who drove baseline against two defenders. The degree of difficulty on that shot was absolutely insane - fading away with Arwind Santos' long arms right in his face. When that ball swished through the net as time expired, the arena erupted in a way I've rarely experienced. I've rewatched that play dozens of times, and what continues to amaze me is how Brownlee maintained perfect form despite the defensive pressure. That's the mark of a true professional - executing fundamentals under extreme pressure. It's the same quality I notice in rising stars like that Beninese forward from the Growling Tigers, who seems to maintain composure beyond his years. These players understand that big moments require not just physical skill but mental fortitude.

As the series shifted to Game 3, Chris Ross put on what I believe was the best defensive performance I've seen in a finals game. His 7 steals completely disrupted Ginebra's offensive rhythm, leading to numerous fastbreak opportunities. What impressed me most was his anticipation - he seemed to know exactly where passes were going before they left the opponents' hands. Offensively, Marcio Lassiter was absolutely unconscious from beyond the arc, hitting 5 three-pointers at critical junctures. I've always been a sucker for shooters who aren't afraid to take big shots, and Lassiter demonstrated that killer instinct throughout the series. The way San Miguel's role players stepped up reminded me of how important it is for teams to have multiple weapons - much like how that Beninese forward complemented Abando and Cansino perfectly in their collegiate matchup. Championship teams need that balance between star power and reliable support.

The pivotal Game 4 saw Greg Slaughter deliver what I consider his most dominant performance in a Ginebra uniform. His 27 points and 11 rebounds kept the series competitive, but what stood out to me was his improved passing out of double teams. I remember specifically noting how he'd developed this aspect of his game since the previous season - finding open shooters when the defense collapsed. Meanwhile, Fajardo continued his MVP-level play with another double-double, showcasing why many consider him the most dominant big man in PBA history. The battle in the paint between these two giants was worth the price of admission alone. Watching them trade baskets in the post was like witnessing a heavyweight boxing match - each possession feeling more significant than the last.

When we reached Game 5, I knew we were witnessing something special. The series was tied 2-2, and both teams understood the importance of this matchup. Alex Cabagnot delivered what I believe was the performance of his career, scoring 26 points including the game-winning floater with just 2.1 seconds remaining. The way he created space against Tenorio's tight defense was masterful - a veteran move from a player who's been in these situations countless times before. I've always admired Cabagnot's ability to rise to the occasion, and this moment cemented his legacy as one of the league's most clutch performers.

The championship-clinching Game 6 provided the perfect ending to what I consider one of the best finals series in recent memory. Fajardo put up 21 points and 18 rebounds, thoroughly dominating the interior while Santos added 19 points with his unique brand of athleticism and timing. What many people forget about that closeout game was the contribution of Ronald Tubid off the bench - his energy and defensive intensity completely changed the game's momentum in the third quarter. These unsung heroes often make the difference in championship series, much like how that Beninese forward provided crucial support to his more celebrated teammates in the UAAP. It's these complementary pieces that truly complete championship puzzles.

Looking back at that 2017 finals, what stands out to me isn't just the individual brilliance but how both teams adapted throughout the series. Coach Leo Austria's adjustments to Ginebra's defensive schemes were particularly impressive, while Coach Tim Cone's ability to keep his team competitive despite injuries showed why he's considered one of the greatest mentors in basketball history. The series had everything a basketball purist could want - dramatic game-winners, strategic adjustments, individual brilliance, and team execution at the highest level. As someone who's analyzed hundreds of games, I can confidently say this series represents Philippine basketball at its absolute best - a perfect blend of skill, heart, and drama that keeps fans like me coming back season after season.