Watching Game 4 of this PBA series unfold felt like witnessing a chess match where both sides refused to blink. I’ve covered basketball for over a decade, and it’s rare to see momentum swing so decisively from one game to the next—yet here we are. The energy in the arena was electric, and the players responded with a level of focus that reminded me of championship-level intensity. Let’s not forget, this kind of sharp, refreshed mindset isn’t new. In fact, it echoes what we saw back in Game 2, where one team played with noticeably cleaner execution on offense while effectively containing Tropang Giga on defense. That performance wasn’t a fluke; it set a blueprint for what could follow in the coming matchups.
In Game 4, the numbers told part of the story—the winning side shot 48% from the field and dished out 28 assists, showcasing ball movement that felt both fluid and intentional. But stats alone don’t capture the grit. I noticed how defensive rotations were tighter, closing out on shooters with a sense of urgency we hadn’t seen earlier in the series. Players like June Mar Fajardo—who, in my opinion, remains the most dominant big man in the league—imposed his will in the paint, grabbing 14 rebounds and altering countless shots. On the other side, Roger Pogoy’s 24-point effort kept Tropang Giga within striking distance, but their offense sputtered in critical stretches, much like it did back in Game 2. Turnovers were a glaring issue; they coughed up the ball 18 times, leading to 22 points off turnovers for their opponents. That’s the kind of stat that keeps coaches up at night.
From my perspective, what stood out most was the adaptability. Coaching adjustments—especially in pick-and-roll coverages—made a tangible difference. One team consistently forced contested mid-range jumpers, a strategy I’ve long believed works against offenses that rely heavily on drives and kick-outs. It’s no surprise they held Tropang Giga to just 88 points, well below their season average of 102. Offensively, ball movement created open looks from beyond the arc, where they knocked down 13 threes at a 38% clip. Compare that to Game 2, where they hit 11 threes but with less consistency in crunch time. The progression is clear: this team is learning, adjusting, and frankly, growing more confident with each outing.
Looking ahead, I expect Game 5 to hinge on two key factors: bench production and tempo control. The second unit contributed 32 points in Game 4, but I’d like to see that number climb to around 40, especially if fatigue becomes a factor as the series wears on. Tropang Giga’s reserves, meanwhile, managed only 18 points—a gap that could prove decisive if it persists. Personally, I think the team that establishes the faster pace early will gain a psychological edge. Slowing the game down might benefit Tropang Giga, given their half-court execution, but if their opponents push the ball in transition like they did in Games 2 and 4, I suspect we’ll see another lopsided result.
Another element to watch is three-point shooting. In Game 4, one squad attempted 34 threes—a number I found slightly aggressive, even in today’s pace-and-space era. While it paid off this time, relying too heavily on the perimeter shot can backfire, as we saw in their Game 3 loss where they shot just 28% from deep. Defensively, I’d like to see more traps and double-teams on key scorers. Tropang Giga’s primary options were often left in one-on-one situations, and though they were contained in Game 4, giving elite players too much space is asking for trouble.
As someone who’s followed this rivalry for years, I’ll admit I’m biased toward teams that prioritize ball movement and defensive discipline. There’s a beauty in the way a well-executed system can dismantle individual talent, and this series is shaping up to be a classic example. Still, basketball is unpredictable. A single injury, an off-night from a star, or even an unexpected call can shift everything.
So, what’s next? If the patterns hold, I’m leaning toward the team that’s shown more growth since Game 2 closing this out in six. But Tropang Giga has the experience and resilience to push it to seven. Whatever happens, one thing’s certain: the next game will come down to which team better embodies that fresh, sharp mindset we’ve been talking about. And honestly, I can’t wait to see it.
