When i first heard that it would be Petron(formerly San Miguel) who would square off with Talk and Text in the season ender finals, it was one simple thing that caught through my mind.
A sweep.
Not for Petron. I was pretty darn sure that Talk and Text would claim glory and cement itself as one of the elite franchise by winning a rare Grand Slam. I was so certain that the loaded lineup of TNT would simply negate the remaining offensive firepower of Petron.
Bilog ang bola. This is what we Filipinos used to say when it comes to the sport of basketball.
And Game one was a perfect reminder for the fans who doubted Petron could pull it through.
A game winning buzzer beater was all it takes for Petron to gain the confidence in this finals, knowing they could beat a fully loaded lineup of TNT despite missing 4 key players. Towards the finals, it was their own heart and willingness that pushed this team to greatness.
No Washington. No Rabeh. No Joseph Yeo and no Lordy Tugade. Yet, they were able to net one big fish with their scintillating defense.
Sure, Chot Reyes can blame the injuries of his key players. Well, if reality is still sleeping with him, Petron played just 10 men in the decisive Game 7. What makes it more deflating is that Petron missed 3 of their first 5 players, yet he has the nerve of saying "Fatigue and injuries are starting to take it's toll".
It was a pretty lame excuse for a lame coach such as Reyes.
Anthony Grundy showed the fans of SMB or Petron that there is an import or a wingman who can dominate games outside of Lamont Strothers. Strothers, who guided SMB to 5 championships during the early 2000, was a scoring machine and has that patented step back jumpshot that defenders find it impossible to defend.
Grundy? He's just a all around player.
Norming close to a triple double, Grundy knocked down shots after shots when it mattered most. He made the perfect plays/pass when his team needed it the most. Lastly, he churned out an all-around performance in the biggest game of his early PBA career.
Jimmy Alapag might won the most controversial MVP award in the history of the PBA but the so-called MVP cannot carry his team when it mattered most. He was co-finals MVP with Castro duting the Philippine and commissioners cup. But when Castro went down, the boyfriend of the flirt Manny Pangilinan was no where to be found.
Mighty mouse?! Come on... Chicken would be nice.
Petron is rebuilding, and what a perfect way to rebuild a team by winning a title prior to Philippine cup. Sure, TNT fans can say it was Grundy that made things possible for Petron. But the improved play of Miranda, Cabagnot and especially Santos is a clear sign that Petron is on the right direction.
With the perfect coach and the perfect code, SMB franchise will no longer wait that long to regain glory. This title was the fitting ending for a perfect ballclub that remain upbeat despite what storm or troubles might hit them.
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