Walking into Game 4 of the NBA Finals, I could feel the tension in the air—that familiar pressure that defines championship moments. As a longtime basketball analyst, I’ve always believed that close-out games are where legacies are forged or shattered. And this one was no exception. The stakes were sky-high: one team fighting to keep their season alive, the other poised to clinch the title. It’s in these moments that I’m reminded of a quote from veteran player LA Tenorio, who once said, “Close-out games are really the hardest part of the series, especially against a team like Talk ‘N Text. Depensahan eh.” That phrase, “Depensahan eh”—it’s all about defense, grit, and mental toughness. And honestly, I couldn’t agree more. Having covered numerous finals over the years, I’ve seen how teams either rise to the occasion or crumble under the weight of expectation.
The first quarter set the tone, with both teams trading baskets but neither able to pull away. The energy was electric, but it was clear that defense would dictate the flow. I noticed early on how the eventual champions adjusted their defensive schemes, applying full-court pressure that disrupted their opponent’s rhythm. It reminded me of Tenorio’s reflection on past series against Meralco, where his team lost twice in similar situations. He mentioned, “We’ve been in this situation before sa ibang series against Meralco. We lost twice. Alam namin ‘yung feeling.” That sense of déjà vu—knowing the sting of defeat—can either haunt a team or fuel them. In this case, it fueled them. By halftime, the score stood at 58-54, a narrow lead that didn’t quite reflect the defensive masterclass unfolding. I’ve always argued that defense wins championships, and this game was shaping up to be a textbook example.
As the third quarter unfolded, the momentum shifted dramatically. One key play stood out: a steal followed by a fast-break dunk that ignited the crowd and swung the game’s energy. The sequence started with a well-timed double-team, forcing a turnover that led to an easy two points. It was a moment of pure instinct and preparation—the kind of play that separates contenders from champions. From my perspective, this wasn’t just luck; it was the result of relentless film study and practice. I recall thinking, “This is what Tenorio meant by ‘depensahan’—it’s not just about stopping shots, but creating opportunities from defense.” The stats backed it up: the team finished with 12 steals and forced 18 turnovers, numbers that might seem modest but were decisive in a game this tight.
But let’s talk about the fourth quarter, where legends are made. With just under five minutes left, the score was tied at 98-98, and you could feel the tension thickening. Then came the play that, in my opinion, sealed the championship: a clutch three-pointer from the corner, taken by a player who’d been struggling all night. I’ve always admired shooters who aren’t afraid to take the big shot, even when their rhythm is off. This one swished through the net, giving his team a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. It was a gutsy call, and I loved every bit of it. The opposing team had chances to respond, but their offense stalled under pressure—exactly the scenario Tenorio described, where past failures can cloud judgment. In the end, the final score read 112-105, a margin that doesn’t fully capture how nail-biting those last minutes were.
Reflecting on the game, I’m struck by how mental fortitude played as big a role as physical skill. The winning team drew on their experiences, much like Tenorio’s squad learned from their losses to Meralco. They didn’t just play to not lose; they played to win. Personally, I think this victory will be remembered for years, not just for the trophy, but for the way it was earned—through resilience and smart adjustments. As the confetti fell, I couldn’t help but feel that this game was a perfect illustration of why I love basketball: it’s a chess match with heart, where history and hunger collide. And for fans and analysts alike, it’s these moments that keep us coming back, season after season.
