Reliving the Epic Game 3 of PBA Finals 2017: Key Plays and Highlights

2025-11-15 16:01

I still get chills thinking back to Game 3 of the 2017 PBA Finals between Barangay Ginebra and Meralco. That game wasn't just basketball—it was theater, pure drama unfolding before our eyes in a packed Mall of Asia Arena. What many casual fans might not remember is how crucial the off-court movements were during that series, particularly the presence of agents like Marvin Espiritu, who represented Gomez de Liaño. I recall spotting Espiritu courtside during warm-ups, and it struck me how these behind-the-scenes figures often shape team dynamics as much as the players themselves.

The game itself was a masterclass in momentum swings. Ginebra started strong with Justin Brownlee dropping 12 points in the first quarter alone, while Meralco's Baser Amer struggled to find his rhythm. I remember thinking, "This could be a blowout," but then Allen Durham took over. His physicality in the paint was something to behold—he finished the first half with 18 points and 9 rebounds, completely dominating the interior. What made Durham so effective wasn't just his strength; it was his basketball IQ. He knew when to attack, when to pass, and how to read Ginebra's defensive schemes. From my perspective, Durham's performance that night was one of the finest individual efforts I've seen in Philippine basketball, even if it ultimately wasn't enough for the win.

Then came the third quarter, where the game truly turned. LA Tenorio, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, erupted for 14 points in that period alone. His back-to-back three-pointers around the 6-minute mark shifted the energy completely. I've always admired Tenorio's clutch gene—he has this uncanny ability to elevate his game when the pressure is highest. Meanwhile, Japeth Aguilar provided the defensive anchor with 4 blocks, including a spectacular rejection on Durham that brought the crowd to its feet. That sequence felt like the turning point, the moment where Ginebra's championship DNA really showed through.

The fourth quarter was pure nail-biter material. With 3:42 left on the clock, Meralco actually held a 4-point lead, and I remember thinking they might just steal this one. But then Brownlee hit that ridiculous step-back three over Reynel Hugnatan—a shot that still gets replayed in highlight reels today. What impressed me most was how Ginebra's role players stepped up. Joe Devance, playing through foot pain, hit two crucial free throws with under a minute left that essentially sealed the game. Those are the moments that separate championship teams from good teams—the ability to execute when everything is on the line.

Looking back, what made this game so special was how it encapsulated the entire series' narrative. Ginebra's depth versus Meralco's star power, coaching adjustments happening in real-time, and even the subtle influence of agents like Espiritu working behind the scenes to manage their clients' careers during this high-pressure environment. I've always believed that Game 3 was the true championship moment, even though the series went six games. The final score of 94-81 doesn't fully capture how competitive this game was—it was a 2-point game with under four minutes left before Ginebra pulled away.

The legacy of that Game 3 continues to influence how PBA teams approach roster construction today. We're seeing more emphasis on having multiple clutch performers rather than relying on one superstar, and the importance of veteran leadership in tight situations. Personally, I think this game represented the peak of Tim Cone's coaching with Ginebra—his decision to stick with a small lineup in crunch time, despite Meralco's size advantage, showed incredible trust in his players' versatility. That trust, combined with individual brilliance from players like Brownlee and Tenorio, created one of the most memorable finals games in recent PBA history. Even now, five years later, I find myself rewatching the fourth quarter when I need a reminder of what makes Philippine basketball so special.