As I settled in to watch today's Ginebra vs Magnolia matchup, I could feel the electricity in the air even through my screen. These Manila Clasico games always deliver drama, but tonight felt different somehow. Coach Leo Austria's pre-game comments about June Mar Fajardo's limited minutes had set the stage for what promised to be an unpredictable battle. "Thank you to my players," Austria had said. "They know the situation since yesterday when we learned that June Mar will be on managed minutes or depends on my discretion, everybody was thinking that they have to step up." That single statement changed everything about how I approached watching this game.
The first quarter unfolded exactly as I expected - tight, physical, with both teams feeling each other out. Ginebra came out strong, scoring 28 points in the opening period while holding Magnolia to just 22. What struck me immediately was how different San Miguel looked without their usual reliance on Fajardo. CJ Perez was absolutely sensational, putting up 15 points in that first quarter alone. I've watched Perez develop over the years, but tonight he was playing with a different kind of intensity. You could see Austria's words resonating on the court - every player understood they needed to contribute more, and Perez was leading by example.
By halftime, the score stood at 52-48 in Ginebra's favor, but the story was deeper than the numbers. What fascinated me was watching how Magnolia adjusted their defensive schemes. They clearly expected Fajardo to dominate the paint, but with him playing only 12 minutes in the first half, they seemed slightly disoriented. Paul Lee was trying to carry Magnolia, scoring 18 points before the break, but I noticed their ball movement wasn't as crisp as usual. They recorded only 9 assists in the first half compared to Ginebra's 14, which told me Ginebra's team basketball was outperforming Magnolia's more individual approach.
The third quarter completely shifted the game's momentum, and this is where coaching decisions really came into play. Austria made the bold choice to sit Fajardo for the entire period, and honestly, I questioned that move at first. But then I watched Marcio Lassiter catch fire, hitting three consecutive three-pointers in a span of just 2 minutes and 14 seconds. That scoring burst stretched Ginebra's lead to 11 points, and suddenly Austria's gamble looked brilliant. What impressed me most was how different players kept stepping up at crucial moments - when Lassiter cooled off, Moala Tautuaa took over inside, scoring 8 points in the quarter. This wasn't the typical San Miguel offense we're used to seeing, and I found myself genuinely excited by their adaptability.
As the fourth quarter began with Ginebra leading 82-71, I expected Magnolia to mount their characteristic comeback. And they didn't disappoint - their full-court pressure caused 3 turnovers in the first 4 minutes, cutting the lead to just 5 points. This is where championship experience matters, and Ginebra showed why they've been so successful in clutch situations. Scottie Thompson, who had been relatively quiet offensively, took control of the game with his defense and playmaking. He finished with what I'd call a quiet triple-double - 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists - but his impact went far beyond the stat sheet.
The final minutes were absolutely thrilling, with both teams trading baskets and the lead changing hands four times in the last three minutes. With 28 seconds left and Ginebra down by one, I witnessed one of the most clever plays I've seen all season. Instead of calling timeout, Thompson pushed the ball upcourt and found Perez cutting to the basket for an and-one opportunity. That decision showed incredible basketball IQ - they caught Magnolia's defense before it could set up. Perez sank the free throw to put Ginebra up 98-96, and when Magnolia's last-second three-point attempt rattled out, the final score was set.
Looking back at the game, I'm convinced Austria's handling of Fajardo's minutes was the masterstroke that won them this game. By limiting their superstar to just 24 minutes total, he forced other players to elevate their games, and they responded magnificently. Perez finished with 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists - arguably his best performance in a Ginebra uniform. What stays with me isn't just the final score of 98-96, but how this game demonstrated the importance of team depth and adaptability. In my years covering Philippine basketball, I've learned that championship teams aren't just about star power - they're about how players respond when circumstances force them to change their approach. Tonight, Ginebra showed they have that championship DNA, and I have a feeling we'll be looking back at this game as a turning point in their season.