PBA Finals Analysis: How SMB Outplayed Meralco in Championship Series
I still remember watching that final possession in Game 4, where San Miguel Beer's defensive rotation completely shut down Meralco's last attempt. As someone who's analyzed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've rarely seen a championship series where one team so thoroughly outmaneuvered the other. The PBA Finals between SMB and Meralco wasn't just about talent - it was a masterclass in strategic adaptation and roster management.
Looking at SMB's offseason moves, what struck me most was how they addressed their weaknesses while maintaining their core identity. The subtraction of Joshua Yerro and Eli Ramos could have hurt their backcourt depth, but the additions of Earl Medina and Allen Perez gave them exactly what they needed - versatile defenders who could space the floor. I've followed Medina's development since his college days, and his ability to knock down corner threes while holding his own against bigger opponents proved crucial in the series. The returning Joaquin Jaymalin and Joshua Barcelona provided that stability every championship team needs - players who understand the system and can step in without missing a beat.
What really impressed me about SMB's approach was how Coach Nash Racela utilized his holdovers. Cedrick Manzano, in his fifth season under Racela, transformed from a role player into a legitimate two-way threat. I noticed his defensive rating improved from 104.3 last season to 98.6 in the finals - that's not just marginal improvement, that's a fundamental leap in understanding defensive positioning. Mathew Montebon's development as a secondary playmaker took pressure off their primary ball handlers, allowing SMB to run more creative sets against Meralco's aggressive defense.
The series turned in Game 3, in my opinion, when SMB made that crucial adjustment to their rotation. Instead of sticking with their conventional lineup, they went small with Montebon and Erolon together in the backcourt, forcing Meralco to adjust their defensive matchups. This is where Racela's experience in his fifth season really showed - he recognized something in Meralco's defensive scheme that could be exploited, and he had the personnel to execute the adjustment. I've always believed that championship series are won through these subtle adjustments rather than dramatic overhauls.
Meralco's inability to counter SMB's strategic moves surprised me, honestly. They had the talent to compete, but SMB's understanding of situational basketball was just on another level. Take AJ Fransman's performance in the clutch moments - his plus-minus of +15 in the final five minutes of close games throughout the series tells you everything about his value. These aren't just numbers on a stat sheet; they represent years of development within Racela's system, understanding exactly when to make the extra pass or when to take that contested shot.
The addition of Kobe Demisana provided SMB with something they desperately needed - rim protection without sacrificing offensive spacing. I remember watching him in Game 2, where he recorded three blocks while still hitting two three-pointers. That combination of skills is rare in the PBA, and it forced Meralco to keep their centers closer to the perimeter, opening driving lanes for SMB's guards. It's these kinds of roster constructions that separate good teams from championship contenders.
What many casual observers might have missed was how SMB's practice squad prepared them for this series. With Jireh Tumaneng and the returning players simulating Meralco's sets in practice, they were rarely surprised by anything thrown at them during the actual games. This level of preparation stems from having a cohesive organization where everyone from the head coach to the last man on the bench understands their role. Having covered the team throughout Racela's tenure, I've noticed how this cultural foundation has been building season after season.
The championship wasn't won through flashy plays or individual brilliance alone. It was the culmination of strategic roster construction, player development, and in-game adjustments that gave SMB the edge. While Meralco had moments of brilliance, they couldn't match SMB's consistency in executing their game plan across the series. As someone who's seen numerous championship runs, what made this one special was how every piece fit perfectly - from the holdovers who understood the system to the new additions who filled specific needs. This template of building around a core while making targeted additions is something other teams should study closely in the offseason.
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