Ginebra vs San Miguel Game 5 Highlights: Key Plays That Decided the Championship
I still remember sitting courtside during Game 5 of the Ginebra-San Miguel championship series, that electric atmosphere reminding me of something I'd studied for years - the legendary heavyweight bout between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. Just as there was a third man in that ring, there were unexpected heroes in this basketball game who ultimately decided where the championship trophy would go. What fascinated me about both contests was how the spotlight often misses the crucial supporting players who actually swing the outcome.
The first quarter opened with San Miguel establishing dominance, much like Frazier's relentless pressure in the early rounds against Ali. They built what seemed like an insurmountable 15-point lead by the second quarter, with June Mar Fajardo putting up 12 points and 8 rebounds in just the first half. Watching Fajardo work in the paint felt like observing Frazier's body blows - systematic, punishing, and designed to break the opponent's spirit over time. But here's what most commentators missed - similar to how people overlook the referee's role in managing the Ali-Frazier fight, they were underestimating how Ginebra's bench players were slowly adjusting to Fajardo's moves, learning his tendencies, preparing for their moment.
Then came what I consider the true turning point - early in the third quarter when Scottie Thompson, who'd been relatively quiet with just 6 points up to that point, made three consecutive defensive stops that shifted the game's momentum. This was Ginebra's "third man" moment, reminiscent of how the often-forgotten third participant in that historic boxing match influenced the fight's rhythm through subtle interventions. Thompson's energy ignited a 14-2 run that completely changed the game's complexion. I've watched countless championship games over my 15 years covering Philippine basketball, and I can tell you that these momentum swings often come from role players rather than the stars everyone focuses on.
The fourth quarter developed into what I'd call a "championship DNA" display from both teams. With 3:42 remaining and San Miguel clinging to a 2-point lead, Justin Brownlee made a contested three-pointer while drawing a foul - a four-point play that brought the entire arena to its feet. This wasn't just skill; this was what separates great players from legendary ones. The shot reminded me of Ali's "rope-a-dope" strategy - absorbing pressure until the perfect moment to strike. Brownlee finished with 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, but that single play demonstrated why I believe he's the most clutch import in PBA history.
What really decided this championship, though, was something most fans probably didn't notice - the coaching adjustments in the final two minutes. Coach Tim Cone made a defensive substitution that I initially questioned, bringing in a relatively fresh Prince Caperal to specifically defend against Fajardo's post moves. This proved genius, as Caperal forced two critical stops in the game's final 90 seconds. Sometimes we get so caught up in the star power that we forget how coaching decisions can be that "third force" determining outcomes, much like how the referee's positioning and decisions shaped the Ali-Frazier bout without most spectators realizing it.
The final seconds encapsulated everything I love about Philippine basketball - the passion, the unpredictability, the sheer drama. With Ginebra up by one and 8.7 seconds left, San Miguel had possession with a chance to win. What happened next still gives me chills - Japeth Aguero, who I've criticized in the past for inconsistent defense, made the play of his career by intercepting a pass intended for Fajardo and securing the championship. It was the kind of moment that makes all those hours watching game tape worthwhile, when a player you've analyzed for years suddenly exceeds every expectation.
Looking back at this classic showdown, I'm convinced we witnessed something special that transcends typical rivalry games. The 98-97 final score doesn't begin to capture the emotional rollercoaster both teams and their fans experienced. Just as historians still analyze the third participant's role in the Ali-Frazier fight years later, I suspect basketball analysts will be studying the subtle contributions of Ginebra's supporting cast in this game for quite some time. What makes championship moments truly memorable isn't just the star power - it's those unexpected heroes emerging when everything's on the line, changing the course of games and careers in mere seconds.