As I settled into my usual spot to watch Game 2 of this historic PBA rivalry, I couldn't help but reflect on how we got here. Just days earlier, I'd witnessed what might become one of the most memorable performances in recent Gin Kings history - that incredible Game 6 where LA Tenorio essentially saved Ginebra's season with a mindblowing effort that secured that thrilling 88-87 victory. That single point difference created only the second Game 7 in the entire Ginebra-San Miguel rivalry, and honestly, the energy from that game absolutely carried into tonight's matchup.
The atmosphere tonight was electric from tip-off, with both teams understanding the stakes. Having covered numerous Ginebra-SMB clashes over the years, I can confidently say this series is shaping up to be among their most competitive. What stood out to me immediately was how Tenorio carried that Game 6 momentum forward. The veteran guard from Ateneo seemed to be everywhere tonight, his leadership palpable even through the screen. I've always admired players who elevate their game when it matters most, and Tenorio exemplifies that quality. His stat line might not capture the full impact - those crucial assists, the defensive stops, the way he controls the tempo - but anyone who understands basketball recognizes his value beyond the numbers.
San Miguel came out with noticeable adjustments, particularly in their defensive schemes against Ginebra's perimeter game. They'd clearly studied Game 6's breakdowns and weren't about to let history repeat itself. June Mar Fajardo was his usual dominant self in the paint, but what impressed me was how SMB's role players stepped up. I counted at least three consecutive possessions where secondary scorers hit crucial baskets when Fajardo was double-teamed. That's championship-level basketball right there - when your stars draw attention and your supporting cast delivers.
The third quarter nearly gave me heart palpitations, truth be told. Ginebra went on one of their signature runs, the kind that typically breaks opponents' spirits. The lead stretched to 9 points at one moment, and I found myself thinking this might become another statement victory. But championship teams don't fold easily, and San Miguel demonstrated exactly why they've been so successful in recent years. Their response was methodical, calculated, and frankly, beautiful to watch from a tactical perspective. They didn't panic, didn't force bad shots - just slowly chipped away with disciplined offense and tightened defense.
What fascinated me most was the coaching chess match unfolding. Tim Cone's adjustments between quarters were evident, particularly in how he utilized his bench players. Meanwhile, Leo Austria's decision to stick with a slightly smaller lineup during crucial minutes paid unexpected dividends. I've always believed that coaching in these high-stakes games separates good teams from great ones, and tonight both mentors showed why they're among the league's best.
The final five minutes were pure basketball theater. With the score tied at 95-95, every possession felt like game point. The crowd - what we could hear of it anyway - reached deafening levels with each basket. I found myself leaning closer to the screen, notebook forgotten, completely absorbed in the back-and-forth action. That sequence where Tenorio drove, drew two defenders, and kicked out to an open shooter for a three? That's the kind of basketball IQ you can't teach. It reminded me so much of his Game 6 heroics, that same clutch gene manifesting when his team needed it most.
When the final buzzer sounded with Ginebra securing a 102-99 victory, my immediate thought was how this series continues to exceed expectations. The individual brilliance we're witnessing, particularly from veterans like Tenorio, elevates these games beyond ordinary rivalry matchups. Having covered basketball for over fifteen years, I've learned to recognize special moments when I see them, and what we're watching in this series qualifies. These games aren't just about wins and losses - they're about legacy, about players writing their names into PBA history.
Looking ahead to Game 3, I'm particularly interested in how San Miguel will respond to tonight's defensive lapses in crucial moments. They'll need to address their perimeter defense, especially against Ginebra's ball movement. Meanwhile, the Gin Kings must maintain their emotional equilibrium after two emotionally draining victories. As a longtime observer of both franchises, I'm slightly leaning toward Ginebra taking the series, mainly because of their momentum and Tenorio's current form. But counting out San Miguel would be foolish - they've proven time and again they can win from any position.
What makes this rivalry so compelling isn't just the talent on display, but the narratives that emerge. Tenorio's late-career resurgence, the clash of coaching philosophies, the contrasting styles - it's basketball storytelling at its finest. I'll be watching Game 3 with particular interest, not just as an analyst but as a genuine fan of the sport. These are the games we'll remember years from now, the kind of basketball that reminds us why we fell in love with the game in the first place.