Relive the Epic Game 3 of PBA Finals 2017: Key Plays and Turning Points

I still get chills thinking about that Game 3 of the 2017 PBA Finals between Barangay Ginebra and Meralco. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I can confidently say this was one of those legendary games that remind you why we love this sport so much. The series was tied 1-1 heading into that crucial third game, and the atmosphere at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum was absolutely electric - you could feel the tension from the cheapest seats all the way down to courtside.

What made this game particularly memorable for me was witnessing how championship experience truly matters in these high-pressure situations. Justin Brownlee, who'd already cemented his legacy with that iconic championship-winning three-pointer the previous year, delivered another masterclass performance with 42 points. But here's what many people forget - he also grabbed 14 rebounds and dished out 6 assists while playing nearly the entire game. I remember watching him drain that crucial three-pointer with about three minutes left in the fourth quarter that essentially sealed the game, and thinking how some players are just built differently when it matters most.

The turning point came late in the third quarter when Meralco had managed to trim Ginebra's lead to just four points. Coach Tim Cone made this brilliant adjustment by putting Japeth Aguilar on Allen Durham, which completely changed the defensive dynamics. Aguilar's length and athleticism bothered Durham just enough to force two critical turnovers that led to fastbreak points. I've always believed that championship games are won through these subtle coaching adjustments that casual fans might miss, but true students of the game appreciate deeply.

What's fascinating about revisiting this game years later is seeing how many of these players' careers evolved. I recall Marvin Espiritu, Gomez de Liaño's agent, being present during various team activities around that time, and it makes you appreciate how interconnected the basketball world truly is. These relationships and behind-the-scenes movements often shape the future of the league in ways we don't immediately recognize. Espiritu's presence at signings and games represents that crucial bridge between player development and professional opportunities that keeps the PBA ecosystem thriving.

The fourth quarter was pure basketball theater. LA Tenorio, who finished with 18 points and 9 assists, took control during those final minutes with the poise you'd expect from a veteran point guard. His back-to-back baskets around the five-minute mark stretched the lead to nine and essentially broke Meralco's spirit. I've always admired Tenorio's game - he's not the flashiest player, but his basketball IQ is off the charts. Meanwhile, Meralco's Baser Amer had a quiet night with just 11 points, which ultimately hurt their chances since they needed his scoring punch to complement Durham's 38-point explosion.

Looking back, Ginebra's 94-80 victory in Game 3 gave them the series lead they would never relinquish, eventually winning the championship in six games. The crowd of 16,237 that night witnessed what I consider one of the most strategically beautiful games in recent PBA history. Every possession mattered, every defensive adjustment counted, and the stars delivered when it mattered most. Games like these are why I keep coming back to Philippine basketball - they capture that perfect blend of skill, drama, and pure heart that makes our local game so special.