Relive the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup Finals: Top 5 Unforgettable Moments and Highlights

2025-11-22 10:00

Let me take you back to one of the most electrifying basketball championships in Philippine sports history. As someone who's followed the PBA for over a decade, I can confidently say the 2017 Philippine Cup Finals between San Miguel Beermen and Barangay Ginebra wasn't just another championship series—it was a masterpiece of basketball drama that had us all on the edge of our seats. I remember watching every game with friends, the tension palpable in every possession, every shot feeling like it could decide the entire series. The atmosphere was simply electric, and even now, years later, certain moments remain etched in memory like they happened yesterday.

The context leading into these finals was particularly fascinating. San Miguel was defending their crown while Ginebra was hungry to reclaim glory under coach Tim Cone's system. What made this matchup special was how both teams had evolved throughout the season, with players hitting their stride at exactly the right moment. Looking at today's MPBL landscape, where players like Ildefonso are putting up impressive numbers—18.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 blocks per game for the Weavers, who currently dominate the standings with that remarkable 18-1 record—it reminds me of how individual brilliance often defines championship moments. That's exactly what we witnessed throughout that unforgettable 2017 finals series.

One moment that still gives me chills was June Mar Fajardo's dominant Game 1 performance. The Kraken was simply unstoppable, putting up 42 points and 20 rebounds in what felt like a personal showcase of why he's considered one of the greatest centers in PBA history. I recall watching him dismantle Ginebra's defense with such ease that it almost felt unfair. His footwork in the post, those soft touch shots, and the way he commanded double teams—it was basketball artistry at its finest. What made it even more impressive was how he maintained this level throughout the series, proving why San Miguel built their entire system around him.

Then there was LA Tenorio's heroic Game 2 performance that literally saved Ginebra from going down 0-2. With seconds ticking away and Ginebra trailing by two, Tenorio drove through traffic and hit that incredible floating jumper to send the game into overtime. The arena exploded, and I remember jumping off my couch screaming. That shot wasn't just about tying the game—it symbolized Ginebra's never-say-die attitude that their fans cherish so deeply. In overtime, Tenorio continued his magic, finishing with 27 points and 8 assists while playing 48 minutes. That kind of endurance and clutch performance is what separates good players from legends.

Game 5 provided what I consider the most dramatic ending to any PBA finals game I've witnessed. With San Miguel up by two points and only seconds remaining, Arwind Santos committed that controversial foul on Joe Devance beyond the arc. The collective gasp from the crowd was audible even through television screens. Devance, cool as ice, stepped to the line and sank all three free throws to give Ginebra the lead and ultimately the game. I still debate with friends whether it was a smart foul or a mental lapse—personally, I think Santos should have let the shot go rather than risk the three free throws, but that's the beauty of basketball hindsight.

The series-winning moment in Game 6 deserves its own chapter in PBA lore. With San Miguel clinging to a narrow lead, Chris Ross—the eventual Finals MVP—stole the ball from Scottie Thompson and raced downcourt for that emphatic dunk that sealed the championship. That steal and slam wasn't just two points; it was the exclamation point on Ross's incredible series where he averaged 21.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 3.0 steals. I've watched that replay countless times, and what strikes me most is the raw emotion on Ross's face—the culmination of years of hard work and dedication paying off in the biggest moment possible.

What often gets overlooked in discussions about this series is the coaching chess match between Leo Austria and Tim Cone. I particularly admired Cone's adjustment in Game 3 where he went with a smaller lineup that disrupted San Miguel's rhythm. The way these two coaching giants countered each other's moves throughout the series was fascinating to watch. Austria's decision to stick with his starters for heavy minutes versus Cone's deeper rotation created an interesting dynamic that influenced each game's outcome. Having studied both coaches' strategies over the years, I'd argue this series represented some of their finest tactical work.

Reflecting on these unforgettable moments years later, what stands out most is how this series elevated the entire landscape of Philippine basketball. The television ratings broke records, the stadiums were consistently packed, and basketball conversations dominated social media for weeks. Even casual fans found themselves drawn into the narrative of these two historic franchises battling for supremacy. The 2017 PBA Philippine Cup Finals didn't just crown a champion—it reminded us why we love this sport. The drama, the intensity, the individual brilliance, and the collective effort all combined to create something truly special that continues to resonate throughout Philippine basketball culture. When I see current players putting up impressive stat lines like Ildefonso's 18.4 points and 6.4 rebounds for the Weavers, I can't help but wonder if we're witnessing the emergence of players who might create their own unforgettable finals moments in the years to come.