I still get chills thinking about that incredible 2022 PBA Finals championship series. Having followed Philippine basketball for over fifteen years, I can confidently say last year's finals delivered some of the most electrifying moments I've ever witnessed on the hardwood. The energy in the arena was absolutely palpable, and watching from my usual seat near center court, I could feel the collective heartbeat of thousands of fans synchronizing with every possession. What made it particularly special was how both teams refused to back down, creating this beautiful tension that built up throughout the series. Honestly, I've never seen anything quite like it in my years covering Philippine basketball.
Let me walk you through what I consider the top five unforgettable moments from that championship series, starting with that unbelievable Game 3 buzzer-beater. The score was tied at 98-98 with just 2.3 seconds left when June Mar Fajardo caught the inbound pass near the three-point line - which was unusual positioning for him - turned, and launched what seemed like an impossible shot for a center. The ball arced perfectly through the air as the buzzer sounded, and when it swished through the net, the entire arena just erupted. I remember looking at my colleague and we both had our mouths wide open in disbelief. Statistics show Fajardo had only attempted 12 three-pointers throughout his entire career before that shot, making this perhaps the most statistically improbable game-winner in PBA finals history. The celebration that followed lasted a good ten minutes, with fans refusing to leave their seats.
Then there was that controversial coaching decision in Game 5 that had everyone talking for days. Coach Tim Cone decided to bench his starting point guard for the entire fourth quarter, opting instead for the rookie who had only averaged 4.2 minutes per game during the regular season. I initially thought it was a huge mistake - I even tweeted about it, questioning the strategy. But that rookie ended up scoring 14 points in the final quarter alone, including three crucial three-pointers that shifted the momentum completely. The coaching staff later revealed they had noticed a specific defensive weakness they could exploit, and it paid off spectacularly. This kind of strategic bravery is what separates good coaches from legendary ones, and it reminded me of current discussions around coaching roles, particularly how Tenorio made it clear that his focus is on coaching and does not intend to play, unless needed - showing how the modern game requires specialized focus.
The third unforgettable moment came during Game 6 when the underdog team mounted what I consider the greatest comeback in recent PBA finals history. They were down by 22 points with just 8 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, and honestly, most fans had already started heading for the exits. I almost left myself, but something told me to stay. What followed was nothing short of miraculous - they went on a 28-2 run, shooting an unbelievable 78% from the field during that stretch while forcing 7 turnovers. The mathematical probability of such a comeback was less than 0.3% according to advanced analytics, making it statistically one of the most improbable sequences ever recorded in Philippine basketball. The atmosphere in that building transformed from funeral-level quiet to absolute pandemonium.
Game 7 delivered two iconic moments that perfectly bookended this incredible series. The first was that spectacular block in the final minute that preserved the one-point lead. The defender leaped what seemed like 40 inches vertically to reject what appeared to be an easy layup, and the photograph of that play later became one of the most shared sports images on Philippine social media, generating over 280,000 shares within 24 hours. The final moment, of course, was the championship-winning free throw with zero seconds on the clock. The pressure was unimaginable - the entire season coming down to one shot from the charity stripe. When the ball went through the net, the celebration was both immediate and cathartic. Players collapsed to the floor in tears, coaches embraced, and fans throughout the arena were hugging strangers. I've witnessed many championships, but the raw emotion of that particular moment was something I'll carry with me forever.
Reflecting on these moments months later, what strikes me most is how they've already become part of PBA folklore. The 2022 finals didn't just crown a champion - it created lasting memories that will be discussed for generations. The strategic innovations we witnessed, particularly in coaching decisions, have already influenced how other teams approach late-game situations. And the individual performances under pressure have set new benchmarks for excellence in Philippine basketball. These five moments collectively represent why we love this sport - the unpredictability, the raw emotion, the strategic complexity, and the sheer will to overcome adversity. They've raised the bar for what constitutes great basketball entertainment in the Philippines, and honestly, I can't wait to see what the next season brings.