PBA Finals Score Game 3: Breaking Down the Key Moments and Final Results

Walking into the press room after Game 3 of the PBA Finals, you could feel the weight in the air—not just the usual tension of a playoff matchup, but something deeper, more personal. I’ve covered basketball for over a decade, and I’ve rarely seen a team carry so much emotional freight into a game. The final score, 98–94 in favor of Barangay Ginebra, tells only part of the story. What stood out to me was how the game unfolded in key moments, moments that seemed to carry the echoes of LA Tenorio’s legacy and the team’s desire to honor him. I remember thinking, as I watched Malonzo drive to the basket late in the fourth quarter, that this wasn’t just about winning a game—it was about repaying a debt.

Let’s rewind to the first quarter, where Ginebra came out with an intensity that felt almost overwhelming. They opened with a 12–4 run, and it was clear they were playing with a sense of purpose. I’ve always believed that the first six minutes of a game set the tone, and here, Ginebra’s defense was suffocating. They forced three turnovers in the first five minutes alone, converting them into six fast-break points. But what struck me wasn’t just the stats—it was the body language. You could see it in Malonzo’s eyes every time he hustled for a loose ball or fought for a rebound. Later, in his post-game comments, he put it into words: "It’s a disappointment right now. A lot of us really wanted to win this because of what LA Tenorio gave us for Game 6. A lot of us wanted to give that back in Game 7, myself included, I know the rest of the team as well." That desire, that almost palpable need to win for Tenorio, fueled every possession.

As the game progressed into the second quarter, the momentum shifted. The opposing team, TNT Tropang Giga, started finding their rhythm, largely thanks to their star guard who dropped 14 points in that period alone. I’ll admit, I was skeptical whether Ginebra could maintain their edge. Basketball, at this level, is as much a mental game as a physical one. And when TNT tied the game at 42–42 with about four minutes left in the half, I thought we might see Ginebra unravel. But then came what I consider the turning point: a sequence where Ginebra’s veteran big man, who’s been in the league for 12 years, blocked a layup and sparked a transition three-pointer. That play didn’t just swing the score—it reinforced the emotional narrative. It was as if the team was saying, "We’re not letting this slip away, not after what LA meant to us."

The third quarter was where the game truly crystallized for me. Ginebra’s offense, which had been efficient but not spectacular, exploded for 32 points. They shot 58% from the field, including five three-pointers. Now, I’m not usually one to get caught up in numbers, but here, they tell a compelling story. The ball movement was fluid, with 10 assists in the quarter alone, and it felt like every player was contributing to that collective goal Malonzo mentioned. I remember jotting down in my notes: "This is how you honor a leader—by elevating everyone around you." It’s a lesson I’ve seen in great teams throughout my career, but rarely with this level of sincerity. When TNT tried to mount a comeback, cutting the lead to just five points late in the third, Ginebra responded with a 7–0 run that felt like a statement. Not just of skill, but of heart.

Then came the fourth quarter, and with it, the kind of drama that makes the PBA Finals so unforgettable. TNT, refusing to go down without a fight, clawed their way back, tying the game at 89–89 with just over three minutes left. The arena was electric, and I found myself on the edge of my seat, notebook forgotten. This is where experience matters, and Ginebra’s composure shone through. They didn’t panic. Instead, they executed under pressure, with Malonzo hitting a crucial jumper and the team sinking key free throws down the stretch. Watching that final minute, I couldn’t help but feel that this victory was more than just a step toward a championship—it was a tribute, a way to channel that disappointment Malonzo spoke of into something positive. And when the buzzer sounded, sealing the 98–94 win, the relief and pride on the players’ faces said it all.

Reflecting on the game as a whole, I’m struck by how sports can transcend the scoreboard. Yes, Ginebra now leads the series 2–1, and statistically, they dominated in rebounds (48–42) and assists (24–18). But for me, the real story is the human element—the way a team rallied around a shared purpose. Malonzo’s words linger because they reveal something raw and real about competition: it’s not just about winning; it’s about why you want to win. As someone who’s followed Tenorio’s career closely, I believe his influence, even in absence, shaped this game in ways that stats can’t capture. Looking ahead, if Ginebra can harness this emotional drive, they’ve got a real shot at the title. But more than that, they’ve already given us a game to remember—one where every key moment felt like a step toward honoring a legacy.