PBA Latest Game Highlights: Top 5 Must-See Moments from Recent Matches
As I settled into my usual spot for the PBA weekend recap, I couldn't help but feel the electric tension still lingering from this week's matches. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've learned to spot those defining moments that separate championship contenders from the rest of the pack. This week delivered some absolute gems that I'm still replaying in my mind. Let me walk you through what I consider the top five must-see moments that had everyone talking - from the heart-stopping finishes to those individual performances that reminded us why we love this game so much.
Right at the top of my list has to be that incredible overtime finish between Meralco and Rain or Shine. I've seen plenty of close games, but this 96-95 thriller was something special. The Bolts were fighting for their lives after that tough 90-86 loss to Titan Ultra just days before, and you could feel the desperation in their play. What really stood out to me was how Chris Newsome carried the team on his back during those final minutes. With 22 seconds left in OT and Meralco down by one, that driving layup through traffic was pure poetry. I've always believed Newsome thrives under pressure, but this was next-level stuff. The way he created space against two defenders showed why he's one of the most complete guards in the league. What makes this moment even more significant is the context - Meralco's now staring down a brutal three-game stretch over five days as they begin their EASL campaign. They absolutely had to have this win, and Newsome delivered when it mattered most.
The second moment that really caught my eye was Raymond Almazan's defensive masterclass in the same game. Now, I'll admit I've been critical of Almazan's consistency in the past, but his fourth-quarter performance was nothing short of spectacular. He finished with 15 rebounds and 4 blocks, but numbers don't tell the whole story. There was this sequence with about three minutes left in regulation where he contested three straight shots in the paint, ultimately forcing a shot clock violation. That kind of defensive intensity is contagious, and you could see it spreading to his teammates. In my view, this is exactly what Meralco needs more of if they want to turn their season around after those back-to-back losses. Defense wins championships, and Almazan showed exactly why.
Coming in at number three is that unbelievable game-tying three-pointer from Rain or Shine's Rey Nambatac that sent the game to overtime. The degree of difficulty on that shot was just insane. He caught the ball with his back to the basket, turned, and launched over two defenders with just 1.2 seconds on the clock. I've watched the replay probably ten times, and I still can't figure out how he got that shot off. What impressed me most wasn't just the make, but the sheer audacity to even attempt it. That's the kind of moment that defines players, and Nambatac showed he's got that clutch gene we always talk about. Even though Rain or Shine ultimately lost, that shot alone deserves recognition among this week's best moments.
For my fourth pick, I'm going back to Meralco's previous game against Titan Ultra. While the Bolts came up short in that 90-86 contest, there was this incredible sequence from Aaron Black that had me jumping out of my seat. He scored 8 straight points in under two minutes during the fourth quarter, including back-to-back three pointers that brought Meralco back from what seemed like certain defeat. The way he created his shot off the dribble, especially that step-back three from the right wing, was just beautiful basketball. I've always been high on Black's potential, and this explosion showed exactly what he's capable of when he's aggressive. My only complaint is that Meralco didn't go to him enough down the stretch - but that's a discussion for another day.
Rounding out my top five is something we don't always appreciate - coaching strategy. In the Rain or Shine game, Meralco coach Norman Black's decision to go small during crucial stretches was absolutely brilliant. He moved Newsome to power forward and surrounded him with four shooters, creating spacing that Rain or Shine simply couldn't handle. This adjustment led to that 12-2 run in the third quarter that completely changed the game's momentum. Having watched countless PBA games over the years, I can tell you that strategic moves like this often go unnoticed, but they're just as important as any highlight reel dunk. Coach Black recognized that traditional lineups weren't working and made the bold move that ultimately saved their season from completely derailing.
Looking at these moments collectively, what stands out to me is how they capture the essence of PBA basketball - the drama, the skill, and those split-second decisions that determine outcomes. Meralco's back-to-back losses could have sent them into a tailspin, but instead we witnessed some of the most compelling basketball of this young season. As they head into that challenging three-game, five-day stretch and begin their EASL campaign, they'll need more of these highlight-reel moments from their key players. From where I sit, this team has shown they have the heart and talent to compete with anyone - they just need to string together more of these spectacular plays consistently. If this week's games are any indication, we're in for quite a show as the 50th season continues to unfold.