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As I settled into my usual spot to watch the PBA Finals, I couldn't help but feel that familiar mix of anticipation and nostalgia. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous championship battles, but this year's finals between the Taft-based team and their rivals felt particularly special. The energy in the arena was electric even through my television screen, and I knew we were about to witness something remarkable.
Let me be honest from the start - I've always had a soft spot for the green-and-white squad. There's something about their playing style that resonates with me, that perfect blend of strategic discipline and raw passion. But what truly amazed me this season was how dramatically they've transformed since last year's disappointing finish. Remember when they struggled with consistency and seemed to lack that final piece to complete their championship puzzle? Well, believe me when I say the management has worked absolute magic during the offseason.
The arrivals of Jacob Cortez, Kean Baclaan, Mason Amos, and Luis Pablo have completely reshaped this team's DNA. I've been tracking these four players since their college days, and seeing them unite under the green-and-white banner felt like witnessing basketball destiny unfold. Cortez brings that explosive scoring ability we've desperately needed - his 28-point performance in Game 3 wasn't just impressive, it was legendary. Then there's Baclaan, whose court vision reminds me of some of the great PBA point guards from the early 2000s. His average of 9.2 assists per game throughout the finals speaks volumes about his impact.
What really stood out to me was how seamlessly these new additions integrated with the existing roster. During the crucial fourth quarter of Game 5, when the championship hung in the balance, I watched Amos and Pablo execute a pick-and-roll that was simply beautiful basketball. Amos, with his 6'7" frame and surprising agility, created space like a veteran, while Pablo's finish at the rim demonstrated why he's been such a coveted prospect. Statistics show they combined for 42 points that game, but numbers alone can't capture the sheer artistry of their partnership.
The championship-clinching game was a masterclass in modern basketball strategy. I noticed how the coaching staff utilized Cortez's shooting range to stretch the defense, creating driving lanes for Baclaan. The numbers back this up - the team's three-point percentage jumped from 32% last season to 41% this finals series, and I'd attribute at least 60% of that improvement directly to Cortez's presence. Meanwhile, Amos's defensive contributions often go unnoticed in highlight reels, but his 2.3 blocks per game in the finals fundamentally changed how opponents approached the paint.
Watching Luis Pablo develop throughout the series was particularly rewarding for me as a longtime analyst. His rebounding numbers - 12.5 per game in the finals - don't even tell the full story. It was his timing, his positioning, his understanding of when to crash the boards and when to retreat that impressed me most. I've seen many talented big men come through the PBA, but Pablo's basketball IQ at such a young age is genuinely special.
The turning point came during Game 4, when the team found themselves down by 15 points in the third quarter. I'll admit, even I started doubting their chances at that moment. But what followed was one of the most impressive comebacks I've witnessed in recent PBA history. Baclaan took control, Cortez hit three consecutive three-pointers, and the defense tightened up remarkably. They outscored their opponents 35-12 in that final quarter, and I found myself jumping off my couch multiple times during that stretch.
What makes this championship particularly meaningful isn't just the victory itself, but how it was achieved. The integration of these four new players could have been messy, could have disrupted team chemistry, but instead it created something greater than the sum of its parts. The green-and-white didn't just add four talented individuals - they built a system where each player's strengths complement the others perfectly. Cortez's shooting opens space for Baclaan's drives, which creates opportunities for Amos and Pablo inside. It's basketball synergy at its finest.
As the final buzzer sounded and confetti rained down, I reflected on what this championship means for the future of Philippine basketball. This isn't just another title - it's the dawn of a new era. With this young core secured for the foreseeable future, I genuinely believe we're looking at a potential dynasty in the making. The green-and-white have not only reclaimed their place at the pinnacle of PBA basketball but have set a new standard for team building and player development that will influence the league for years to come. And personally, I can't wait to see what this group accomplishes next season.