I still remember the buzz in the Playtime Cares Filoil Centre last Wednesday—the kind of electric atmosphere that only championship games can generate. As someone who’s followed the PBA for years, I’ve seen my fair share of standout performances, but what Kyle Paranada did in Game 3 was something special. Honestly, I didn’t expect him to come out with such fire against his former team, but boy, did he deliver. He dropped 24 points, including five three-pointers, and added three steals to his stat line. It was one of those games where you could feel the momentum shift every time he touched the ball, and as a longtime observer, I have to say—it’s performances like these that define championship moments.
The game itself was a rollercoaster, with both teams trading blows in the first half. But when Paranada started heating up in the third quarter, you could tell something was different. His shooting wasn’t just accurate; it was clutch. Each of those five triples seemed to come at just the right moment, whether to silence a rally or extend a lead. I’ve always believed that former players facing their old teams bring an extra layer of motivation, and Paranada embodied that perfectly. His 24 points weren’t just numbers on a scoreboard—they were strategic, well-timed baskets that kept his team in control. And let’s not forget those three steals. In my view, defense often gets overlooked in highlight reels, but those steals disrupted the opposition’s rhythm and created fast-break opportunities that ultimately sealed the game.
From a tactical standpoint, Paranada’s performance highlighted how individual brilliance can elevate an entire team. I’ve analyzed countless PBA games, and what stood out to me here was his efficiency. Shooting 5-of-9 from beyond the arc in a high-pressure situation isn’t just luck; it’s the result of preparation and mental toughness. Personally, I think his ability to read the defense and find open looks—even against his former teammates who knew his tendencies—was what made the difference. The championship wasn’t just won on Wednesday; it was won through moments like Paranada’s third-quarter explosion, where he scored 12 points in just under four minutes. That kind of burst is rare, and in my experience, it’s what separates good teams from great ones.
Of course, basketball is a team sport, and Paranada didn’t do it alone. But his role was undeniably the catalyst. I’ve always been a fan of players who rise to the occasion in big games, and Paranada’s 24-point outing, backed by those five triples and three steals, will go down as one of the most memorable performances of this season. It’s not just about the stats—though they’re impressive—but about the timing and impact. As the final buzzer sounded, it was clear who the champions were, and Paranada’s fingerprints were all over that victory. Looking back, I’d argue that his connection to his former team added a layer of narrative depth that made the win even sweeter. In the end, championships are built on moments like these, and this game delivered in spades.