Watching Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals between Magnolia and San Miguel felt like witnessing a heavyweight title fight where both fighters refused to back down. As someone who’s covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I’ve seen my share of epic clashes, but this one had a different kind of intensity—a mix of raw emotion, tactical chess moves, and individual brilliance that kept me glued till the final buzzer. The game didn’t just swing on one moment; it was a cascade of pivotal plays, momentum shifts, and yes, a few controversial calls that will surely be debated in coffee shops and group chats for days. Let me walk you through what stood out to me, especially how certain players stepped up when it mattered most.
Right from the opening tip, you could sense Magnolia’s urgency. They came out with a defensive scheme that was nothing short of suffocating, forcing San Miguel into three quick turnovers in the first five minutes. I’ve always admired coach Chito Victolero’s ability to adjust mid-game, and this was a masterclass. They double-teamed June Mar Fajardo early, daring other players to beat them, and for a while, it worked. San Miguel looked out of sync, managing only 18 points in the first quarter—a stat that’s unusually low for a team known for its firepower. On the offensive end, Paul Lee was simply sensational. He dropped 12 points in that quarter alone, including back-to-back triples that had the crowd roaring. I’ve followed Lee’s career since his collegiate days, and when he’s in that zone, there’s almost no stopping him. His confidence is infectious, and it lifted the entire Magnolia squad.
But as any seasoned fan knows, San Miguel doesn’t fold easily. The second quarter was where the game took its first major turn. CJ Perez, who’d been relatively quiet, exploded for 10 points in a span of just four minutes. His drives to the basket were relentless, and Magnolia’s defense, which had been so disciplined earlier, started to crack. I’ll admit, I’ve been critical of Perez’s decision-making in high-pressure situations before, but today, he proved me wrong. He was calculated, aggressive, and most importantly, efficient. Alongside him, Marcio Lassiter hit a couple of clutch threes that cut the lead to just three points by halftime. What stood out to me, though, was the bench contribution. Rodney Brondial, who doesn’t always get the spotlight, grabbed five crucial rebounds in that stretch. It’s these unsung efforts that often swing playoff games, and Brondial’s energy was a game-changer.
The third quarter brought another layer to this drama, and for me, this was where the turning point truly crystallized. Magnolia had built a seven-point lead early in the period, thanks to some slick ball movement and Ian Sangalang’s mid-range jumpers. But then, San Miguel’s defense tightened up, and they went on an 11-2 run over about three minutes. The key? Forcing turnovers and converting them into fast-break points. I counted at least four steals during that stretch, with Chris Ross leading the charge. Ross has always been one of my favorite players to watch because of his defensive IQ; he reads passing lanes like a seasoned quarterback reads defenses. His steal and subsequent layup with 4:32 left in the quarter gave San Miguel their first lead since the opening minutes, and the momentum shift was palpable. You could feel the arena’s energy flip, and Magnolia suddenly looked hesitant, almost unsure of how to respond.
Of course, no analysis of this game would be complete without touching on Javi Gomez de Liaño’s impact off the bench. He only played around 15 minutes, but his +/- of +9 tells you how much he influenced the flow. In the fourth quarter, with the score tied at 85-all, he hit a corner three that felt like a dagger. I remember thinking in that moment, “This is why depth matters in the playoffs.” Gomez de Liaño isn’t always in the headlines, but his willingness to take that shot under pressure speaks volumes about his growth. Meanwhile, on the Magnolia side, Calvin Abueva had a mixed night. He finished with 14 points and eight rebounds, but his foul trouble limited his minutes in crunch time. As a fan of his energetic style, I was disappointed he couldn’t be on the floor more when it mattered. Sometimes, it’s not just about the stats but the intangibles, and Abueva’s absence was felt.
One moment that really stuck with me, though, was hearing about Justin Melton’s journey back from injury. It reminded me of Justine Gozum’s recent comments about his recovery, where he said, “Sobrang happy ako na I’m with good people, good environment,” thanking his strength and conditioning coaches. That sentiment resonates deeply in a game like this, where player morale and support systems can make or break performances. Melton didn’t have a huge stat line—maybe four points and two assists—but his defensive hustle in the final minutes was inspiring. He fought through screens, contested shots, and even drew a charge that gave Magnolia a crucial possession. In my years covering sports, I’ve seen how a positive environment, like the one Gozum highlighted, fuels these gritty efforts. It’s not always about the stars; role players like Melton embody the heart of playoff basketball.
As the game wound down, the final two minutes were a rollercoaster. San Miguel clung to a two-point lead, and both teams traded missed shots and free throws. With 30 seconds left, Paul Lee drove to the basket but was met by Fajardo’s towering presence—a block that, honestly, could have gone either way. The referees called it clean, and I have to say, from my vantage point, it looked like the right call. Fajardo finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds, another double-double that underscores why he’s a six-time MVP. But the real clincher came from Terrence Romeo, who sank a step-back jumper with eight seconds left, pushing the lead to four and effectively sealing the win. Romeo’s flair for the dramatic is something I’ve always enjoyed, even if it gives me heart palpitations as an analyst. Final score: San Miguel 98, Magnolia 94.
Reflecting on this game, I’m struck by how much it hinged on resilience—both individual and collective. San Miguel’s ability to weather Magnolia’s early storm, coupled with key contributions from role players, made the difference. For Magnolia, it’s a tough loss, but not one without lessons. They’ll need to address their late-game execution, especially in managing turnovers under pressure. From a broader perspective, this series has shown why the PBA remains one of the most exciting leagues in Asia. The blend of veteran savvy and emerging talent keeps every game unpredictable. As we look ahead to the next matchup, I’m betting on more fireworks, and personally, I can’t wait to see how both teams adjust. If Game 4 taught us anything, it’s that in playoff basketball, the smallest moments often leave the biggest impact.