QUEZON City, Philippines (October 24) – It is the end of the drought. The Barangay Ginebra are once again the kings of Philippine basketball after eight long years – defeating Meralco after six games.
It wasn’t easy for the Kings, the Bolts proved to be a worthy opponent against the most popular team in the PBA. Meralco lead the series 2-1 before losing the next three. All of those games were close, neither of the team showed signs of giving up.
But Ginebra prevailed in the thrilling series, with the help of Tenorio, who was crowned as the Finals MVP, and for the title-clinching three of their import, Justin Brownlee. Caguioa and Helterbrand also did their part, helping their team when they are most needed.
Meralco didn’t lose their energy and hustle, but it wasn’t enough. They aimed to force a do-or-die match and win their first title in the franchise’s history. The Best Import Awardee Allen Durham was the biggest threat to the Kings. Another threat is the veteran Reynel Hugnatan.
The Kings were never complacent. All of the players played their part when they needed to. The most notable performances were that of the rookie, Scottie Thompson, who nailed a three to seal the deal in Game 5. LA Tenorio, who shone the brightest for the Kings and of course, Justin Brownlee and his historical buzzer beating three that will go down the history of Philippine basketball.
The two teams were evenly matched. Everytime one takes a huge lead, the other will make a comeback. It was truly an exciting series. The fans got more than what they bargained for. Two teams hungry for a championship, but only one can win.
Ginebra, at the halftime of Game 6, was inspired by the living legend and the one who started it all for the team, Robert “Sonny” Jaworski. It wasn’t long but it was enough for the Kings to be fired up and set their eyes on the elusive title.
Coach Tim Cone of Barangay Ginebra won his 19th PBA Crown. He gave credits to the “Fast and Furious”, Helterbrand and Caguioa. He said that if not for them, the Ginebra wouldn’t be celebrating the ending of their title drought now. They were indeed the biggest catalysts for the Ginebra’s title run.
It may also be the last time we’ll be seeing Helterbrand donning a Ginebra jersey as he plans to retire. He celebrated his 40th birthday in the Game 4 of the Finals. It was a remarkable performance of the Fast as he notched 11 points, 4-of-4 shooting in just 10 minutes. Helterbrand also provided inspirations to his teammates.
There were also controversies on the finals series, there were non-calls of obvious fouls and the non-call on the apparent traveling of Sol Mercado in the crucial minutes of Game 5.
But overall, it was still a thrilling series, one of the most evenly matched final series in the history of PBA. Meralco would surely bounce back and set their eyes on the title again. For Ginebra, the drought has finally ended. I hope it won’t take another 8 years for another title.
(written by Jacob Isais, edited by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Vince Alvin Villarin)