Who Won the PBA 2017 Champion Title? Full Results and Highlights Revealed
I still remember the final buzzer of Game 6 echoing through the Philippine Arena, the sound swallowed by the roaring crowd of over 50,000 fans. That moment crystallized in my memory - confetti raining down, players embracing, and the overwhelming sense that we'd witnessed something historic. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I can confidently say that the 2017 PBA Governors' Cup finals between Barangay Ginebra and Meralco Bolts was one for the ages. The question everyone kept asking throughout that intense series was "Who won the PBA 2017 champion title?" and the answer unfolded across six dramatic games that tested both teams' limits.
What made that championship particularly special wasn't just the basketball itself, but the narrative surrounding it. I recall sitting in a packed sports bar during Game 5, surrounded by fans wearing their respective team colors, the tension so thick you could slice it with a knife. When Justin Brownlee sank that incredible game-winning three-pointer to force a Game 6, the entire place erupted - strangers high-fiving, drinks spilling, pure basketball euphoria. That shot didn't just extend the series; it set the stage for one of the most memorable conclusions in recent PBA history.
The championship-clinching Game 6 was particularly poignant for LA Tenorio, whose self-deprecating humor about his limited playing time that season still makes me chuckle. He perfectly captured the bittersweet nature of professional sports when he reflected, "I think memorable this season is really my last game - Game 6, kasi dun lang ako naglaro e, the whole season." That quote stayed with me because it reveals so much about what makes champions - it's not always about playing every minute, but making your minutes count when they matter most. Tenorio understood that better than anyone, contributing crucial plays despite his limited court time throughout the series.
Watching Ginebra celebrate their 93-88 victory in Game 6, I couldn't help but feel emotional about coach Tim Cone securing his 20th PBA championship. Having followed his career since his Alaska days, seeing him add another trophy to his legendary collection felt like witnessing basketball history. The numbers from that final game still impress me - Brownlee dropping 31 points, Scottie Thompson's all-around brilliance with 18 points and 12 rebounds, and Japeth Aguiler's defensive presence that completely disrupted Meralco's rhythm. These weren't just statistics; they were the building blocks of a championship legacy.
What many casual fans might not remember is how close Meralco came to turning the series around. Allen Durham was absolutely phenomenal throughout, averaging 28.5 points and 15.2 rebounds in the finals - numbers that would typically guarantee a championship. But basketball, like life, doesn't always follow the expected script. Sometimes heart and momentum trump pure statistics, and Ginebra had both working in their favor, especially with their incredible home court advantage and what felt like the entire country cheering them on.
Looking back now, five years later, that 2017 championship feels like a turning point for both franchises. For Ginebra, it cemented their status as the league's most popular team, while for Meralco it became the foundation for their continued growth as contenders. The answer to "Who won the PBA 2017 champion title?" isn't just about which team lifted the trophy - it's about understanding the journey, the personalities, and the moments that made that season unforgettable. And as any true basketball fan knows, sometimes the most memorable championships are the ones fought hardest, where victory tastes sweetest because defeat came so close to claiming the narrative.