PBA Finals Analysis: How TNT Outplayed Meralco in Their Latest Matchup
2025-11-22 09:00
Watching TNT dismantle Meralco in their latest PBA Finals matchup felt like witnessing a masterclass in tactical execution. As someone who's analyzed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've rarely seen a team so thoroughly dominate a championship series while making it look almost effortless. The way TNT controlled the game from opening tip to final buzzer reminded me of that heartbreaking Rain or Shine loss Adrian Nocum referenced recently - sometimes you just face an opponent that's operating on another level entirely.
What struck me most about TNT's performance was their defensive intensity from the very beginning. They held Meralco to just 18 points in the first quarter while putting up 31 themselves, essentially deciding the game in those opening minutes. I've always believed championship teams establish their identity defensively, and TNT's ability to switch seamlessly between zone and man-to-man coverage completely disrupted Meralco's offensive rhythm. Their defensive rotations were so crisp - I counted at least seven possessions where Meralco's shooters found themselves contested on what should have been open looks. Statistics show TNT forced 18 turnovers and converted them into 24 points, which is exactly the kind of efficiency that wins championships.
Offensively, TNT's ball movement was simply beautiful to watch. They recorded 28 assists on 42 made field goals, which demonstrates the unselfish brand of basketball they've embraced. Unlike teams that rely heavily on isolation plays, TNT consistently made the extra pass, often finding the open man after drawing multiple defenders. Their three-point shooting was particularly lethal - they hit 16 of 38 attempts from beyond the arc, good for 42%. When you're knocking down threes at that rate while simultaneously dominating the paint, you become virtually impossible to defend. I've been critical of TNT's shot selection in previous seasons, but in this series, they took exactly the right shots at the perfect moments.
The individual performances were equally impressive. Mikey Williams scored 32 points on an efficient 11-of-19 shooting, but what stood out to me was his playmaking - 8 assists with only 2 turnovers. Roger Pogoy added 24 points while playing his typical tenacious defense. But the real difference-maker, in my opinion, was Kelly Williams, who contributed 15 points and 12 rebounds while anchoring their defense. At 40 years old, his ability to impact games at this level continues to amaze me. These veterans understood the moment and rose to the occasion in ways that Meralco's key players simply couldn't match.
Meralco's struggles were particularly evident in their half-court offense. They shot just 38% from the field and a dismal 28% from three-point range. Chris Newsome, usually so reliable in big games, managed only 14 points on 5-of-15 shooting. Their offense often devolved into one-on-one plays as the shot clock wound down, which played perfectly into TNT's defensive strategy. I've always felt Meralco relies too heavily on individual creation rather than systematic offense, and this weakness was exposed mercilessly in this series. Their bench contributed only 18 points compared to TNT's 35, highlighting the depth disparity between the two squads.
What fascinates me about this TNT team is how they've evolved from previous iterations. Two seasons ago, they were more of a run-and-gun offensive powerhouse with questionable defensive commitment. Now they've transformed into a complete team that can win in multiple ways. Coach Chot Reyes has done a magnificent job instilling defensive discipline without sacrificing their offensive firepower. The way they closed out quarters was particularly impressive - they won both the second and fourth quarters by significant margins, demonstrating their ability to maintain focus and execution when it mattered most.
The rebounding battle told another important story. TNT outrebounded Meralco 52-41, including 15 offensive boards that led to 18 second-chance points. In playoff basketball, every possession becomes more valuable, and TNT's work on the glass ensured they consistently had more scoring opportunities. Poy Erram, though not putting up huge scoring numbers, was instrumental with his 9 rebounds and 3 blocks, providing the interior presence that allowed TNT's perimeter players to apply aggressive pressure.
Looking at the broader context, this victory continues TNT's dominance over Meralco in recent playoff meetings. They've now won 7 of their last 8 postseason matchups, suggesting there might be a psychological advantage at play beyond just tactical superiority. Basketball at this level is as much mental as it is physical, and TNT clearly believes they have Meralco's number. The confidence with which they executed their game plan, especially in crucial moments, spoke volumes about their championship mentality.
As I reflect on this performance, I'm reminded of Adrian Nocum's comments about maintaining positivity despite tough losses. Meralco would do well to adopt similar perspective - sometimes you simply get outplayed by a better team having a great night. For TNT, this victory validates their approach and sets them up as the team to beat moving forward. Their combination of offensive versatility, defensive intensity, and veteran leadership creates a championship formula that will be incredibly difficult for any team to overcome. The way they systematically dismantled a quality opponent like Meralco sends a clear message to the rest of the league - when TNT is clicking on all cylinders, they might just be unstoppable.