The energy in the arena was palpable last night, and honestly, I’ve rarely seen a team shift momentum so decisively between games. Coming into Game 4 of this PBA conference, all eyes were on whether the leading squad could maintain the sharpness they displayed just a couple of games prior. I remember rewatching Game 2 and thinking—this is what championship composure looks like. They moved the ball with such purpose, executing offensive sets that left defenders scrambling. And that type of fresh state of mind can be seen with how they performed in Game 2, playing sharper than their counterparts on offense while limiting the Tropang Giga on the other end of the floor. It wasn’t just about scoring; it was about control. Fast forward to last night, and we saw a similar, if not more refined, version of that dominance.
From the opening tip-off, it was clear the team had studied their own Game 2 performance closely. They didn’t just replicate it—they built on it. Offensively, the ball movement was crisp, with an impressive 28 assists by the final buzzer, compared to the Tropang Giga’s 19. I’ve always believed that assist numbers tell you more about team chemistry than any highlight reel, and last night proved it. They exploited mismatches, particularly in the pick-and-roll, where their guards connected with the big men for 42 points in the paint. That’s not just good execution; that’s a statement. Defensively, they held the Tropang Giga to just 88 points, a significant drop from the 102 points they conceded in Game 1. The defensive rotations were tighter, the close-outs more aggressive, and the communication—something I always listen for during timeouts—was constant and clear.
Let’s talk about individual performances, because a few players really stood out. John Paul, for instance, put up 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. I’ve followed his career for years, and last night was one of those games where he just looked unstoppable. His mid-range jumper was falling at a 65% clip, which, even if my memory’s a bit fuzzy on the exact stat, felt like every time he shot, it was going in. Then there’s their point guard, who dished out 14 assists. I’ve always been a bit biased toward playmakers who prioritize creating for others, and he did exactly that, controlling the tempo and making sure the offense never stagnated. On the flip side, the Tropang Giga struggled to find their rhythm. Their star scorer was limited to just 18 points on 35% shooting, and as a unit, they turned the ball over 16 times. In a game where every possession counts, that’s just too many giveaways.
What really impressed me, though, was the mental aspect. In the third quarter, the Tropang Giga went on a 10-2 run, and for a moment, it felt like the momentum might swing. But the leading team didn’t panic. They called a timeout, adjusted their defense, and came back with back-to-back three-pointers. That resilience is something you can’t teach—it’s built through experience and, frankly, a bit of swagger. I’ve seen teams fold under less pressure, but this squad has a belief in themselves that’s contagious. Even when they missed a few shots, they didn’t let it affect their defensive effort, which is a hallmark of well-coached teams.
Looking ahead, this win puts them in a strong position, but I don’t think it’s a done deal. The Tropang Giga have too much talent to stay quiet for long, and I expect them to make adjustments, particularly in how they handle ball screens and transition defense. If I were coaching against them, I’d focus on forcing more turnovers and testing their depth off the bench. Still, based on what we saw in Game 4, the leading team has set a high bar. They’re playing with a confidence that’s hard to disrupt, and if they maintain this level, they’ll be tough to beat. For fans and analysts alike, this series has become a masterclass in how to adapt and execute under pressure. Personally, I’m excited to see how it all unfolds—because games like these are why I love this sport.