Walking into the arena tonight, you could feel the electricity in the air—a mix of tension and sheer anticipation for what Game 4 of the PBA finals would bring. As someone who’s followed this league for over a decade, I’ve seen my share of turning points, but tonight’s matchup between the seasoned contenders and the Tropang 5G felt particularly pivotal. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The final scoreline read 98-94, but numbers alone can’t capture the drama, the momentum shifts, and the individual brilliance that unfolded on that court. If you missed the live action, don’t worry; I’ll walk you through the latest scores, the standout highlights, and my key takeaways from a game that could very well define this series.
Right from the tip-off, it was clear that both teams had adjusted their strategies. The contenders, whom I’ve always admired for their resilience, came out with an intensity that reminded me of their Game 2 performance. Remember how they played sharper on offense while limiting the Tropang 5G on the other end of the floor? Well, that fresh state of mind was back in full force tonight. They moved the ball with purpose, not just rushing shots but creating high-percentage opportunities. In the first quarter alone, they shot an impressive 55% from the field, thanks to crisp passing and smart off-ball movement. Personally, I think their point guard was the engine behind this—dishing out 12 assists by halftime and controlling the tempo in a way that left the Tropang 5G scrambling. On defense, they applied a suffocating pressure that forced 8 turnovers in the first half, converting those into 14 fast-break points. It’s this kind of two-way dominance that makes me believe they’re the team to beat, even if the series is tied 2-2 now.
But let’s not overlook the Tropang 5G, who fought tooth and nail to stay in the game. Their star player, who I’ve criticized in the past for inconsistency, put on a show with 32 points, including a stunning 5 three-pointers in the third quarter that brought the crowd to its feet. For a moment, I thought they might pull off a comeback, especially when they narrowed a 15-point deficit to just 4 with under two minutes left. However, their reliance on isolation plays late in the game cost them, in my opinion. They struggled to replicate the defensive cohesion we saw in earlier matches, allowing too many easy drives to the basket. Statistically, they gave up 48 points in the paint, which is just too high for a championship-level team. From my experience covering past seasons, that’s a red flag—if they don’t tighten up, this series could slip away quickly.
One of the most exciting highlights for me was the battle under the boards. Rebounds often tell the story of effort, and tonight, the contenders dominated with a 45-35 edge, including 12 offensive rebounds that led to 18 second-chance points. I have to give a shout-out to their center, who grabbed 15 rebounds and blocked 3 shots—a performance that felt like a throwback to the golden eras of physical big men. On the flip side, the Tropang 5G’s bench, which I expected to be a difference-maker, only contributed 20 points compared to the contenders’ 35. That depth issue is something I’ve pointed out before, and it’s hurting them in tight games. Off the court, the energy from the fans was palpable; I’ve never heard a arena so loud during those final possessions, and it’s moments like these that remind me why I love this sport.
As we look ahead, my takeaway is simple: this series is far from over, but the contenders have seized the momentum. Their ability to maintain that sharp, focused mindset—much like in Game 2—gives them an edge in clutch situations. I’d argue that if they keep this up, they’ll hoist the trophy in no time. For the Tropang 5G, it’s back to the drawing board to address those defensive lapses and bench production. From a broader perspective, games like this highlight why the PBA remains a premier league—full of passion, strategy, and unpredictability. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, stay tuned; the next game is sure to deliver more fireworks.
