Relive the PBA 2015 Season: Top 10 Unforgettable Moments and Game Highlights
I still get chills thinking about that incredible 2015 PBA season - what an absolute rollercoaster of emotions it was for basketball fans across the Philippines. As someone who's followed the league for over a decade, I can confidently say that season had some of the most dramatic moments I've ever witnessed in Philippine basketball. The energy in those arenas was simply electric, and looking back now, certain games still stand out vividly in my memory.
That season-opening game between San Miguel and Alaska set the tone perfectly - June Mar Fajardo putting up 28 points and 15 rebounds while completely dominating the paint. I remember watching from the upper box section thinking, "This guy is just unstoppable." And he proved me right throughout the season, eventually bagging his second MVP award. But what really made that season special was how unpredictable it became - underdogs rising to the occasion, veterans defying age, and rookies showing flashes of brilliance when it mattered most. The Purefoods franchise's rebranding to Star Hotshots brought this fresh energy that translated into some spectacular basketball, especially during their Commissioner's Cup run where they won 11 consecutive games at one point.
One moment that still gives me goosebumps was Game 7 of the Philippine Cup finals between Alaska and San Miguel. Down by 13 with less than four minutes remaining, San Miguel staged this unbelievable comeback that had everyone in the arena losing their minds. Alex Cabagnot's game-winning jumper with 1.2 seconds left - I can still hear the deafening roar of the crowd when that shot went in. That single play encapsulated the never-say-die spirit that makes Philippine basketball so special. Another personal favorite was Terrence Romeo's 38-point explosion against GlobalPort - the way he was hitting contested threes and impossible floaters had even opposing fans applauding. Statistics show he shot 62% from the field that game, though I'd argue it felt more like 80% if you were watching live.
The mid-season drama surrounding some veteran players added another layer of intrigue to an already compelling season. When reporters from SPIN.ph asked one eight-time champion about potential retirement plans, his coy response left everyone guessing. That moment highlighted how transitional that season felt - legendary players approaching the twilight of their careers while new stars emerged to carry the torch forward. What many forget is how the Governors' Cup featured arguably the most competitive import lineup in recent memory, with Arizona Reid putting up historic numbers for Rain or Shine - averaging 32.7 points per game while shooting 45% from three-point range according to the official stats, though my personal tracking had him closer to 48%.
Looking back, what made the 2015 season truly unforgettable wasn't just the highlight-reel plays or statistical achievements, but the raw emotion and narrative arcs that unfolded. From Calvin Abueva's relentless energy that completely changed games to Japeth Aguilar's jaw-dropping athleticism that produced at least two must-see highlights every week, there was never a dull moment. The league's viewership numbers reportedly increased by 18% that season, and honestly, I'm not surprised - the quality of basketball was simply outstanding. Even now, eight years later, I find myself rewatching clips from that season and marveling at how many iconic moments were packed into those ten months. It was the kind of season that reminded you why you fell in love with basketball in the first place.