Who Won PBA 2017 Champion? Complete Breakdown of the Epic Finals

Let me take you back to that incredible 2017 PBA season - I still get chills thinking about how it all went down. If you're wondering who won the PBA 2017 championship, the answer lies in one of the most dramatic finals series I've ever witnessed. The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel clinched the Governors' Cup title against the Meralco Bolts in a rematch that had everyone on the edge of their seats. I remember watching Game 6 thinking this might just be the most important basketball game I'd see all year, and boy was I right.

The journey to answering who won PBA 2017 champion requires understanding how Ginebra executed their game plan. They dominated with a 4-2 series victory, but it wasn't as straightforward as the numbers suggest. Justin Brownlee was absolutely phenomenal throughout the series, averaging around 28 points per game while LA Tenorio provided that steady leadership every championship team needs. What really stood out to me was how coach Tim Cone adjusted their defensive schemes after Game 2, specifically targeting Meralco's import Allen Durham while limiting Baser Amer's playmaking abilities. I've always believed championship teams win through adjustments, and Ginebra proved this perfectly.

Now here's where it gets really interesting - that magical Game 6 performance that sealed the championship. The final score was 101-96, but numbers don't capture the intensity of those last five minutes. Ginebra was trailing by 3 points with about two minutes left when Tenorio hit that crucial three-pointer that completely shifted the momentum. I remember jumping off my couch when Brownlee made that incredible block on Durham with just 45 seconds remaining - that was the championship-winning play right there. The crowd at Philippine Arena went absolutely wild, and honestly, so did I watching from home.

What makes the question of who won PBA 2017 champion particularly memorable is how it connects to LA Tenorio's now-famous quote about that final game. He joked, "I think memorable this season is really my last game - Game 6, kasi dun lang ako naglaro e, the whole season," and I think there's genuine truth hidden in that humor. That self-deprecating remark actually reveals how much pressure these players face and how a single game can define an entire season. From my perspective, what made Ginebra's victory special was how different players stepped up at different moments - it wasn't just about one superstar carrying the team.

Looking back at who won PBA 2017 champion, I've always felt this particular championship meant more than just another title for Ginebra. It solidified their comeback story and established them as a dynasty in the making. The way they closed out that series showed incredible mental toughness - something I wish more young players would study and emulate. They shot approximately 48% from the field throughout the series and outrebounded Meralco by an average of 5 boards per game, but statistics only tell part of the story. The heart and determination they displayed, especially in that final game, is what championship legacies are built on.

So when people ask me about who won PBA 2017 champion, I don't just give them the simple answer. I take them through the entire emotional journey of that finals series - the strategic adjustments, the clutch performances, and that unforgettable Game 6 where everything came together perfectly. That championship wasn't just won on talent alone; it was earned through preparation, resilience, and moments of individual brilliance when it mattered most. And honestly, that's what makes basketball so beautiful to watch - when everything clicks at the right time and creates something truly special that fans like me will remember for years to come.