PBA Finals Game 3 Final Score Reveals Shocking Turn in Championship Series

Walking into the press room after Game 3 of the PBA Finals, I could feel the shift in the air—the kind of tension that tells you something pivotal just happened. The final score wasn’t just a number; it was a statement. As someone who’s covered basketball for over a decade, I’ve seen my share of twists, but this one? This felt different. The underdog team, written off after two bruising losses, clawed their way to a stunning 98–95 victory. It’s the kind of game that reminds you why we love sports—the unpredictability, the raw emotion, and the sheer willpower on display.

I remember watching Malonzo’s post-game interview, his voice heavy with emotion. He said, “It’s a disappointment right now. A lot of us really wanted to win this because of what LA Tenorio gave us for Game 6. A lot of us wanted to give that back in Game 7, myself included, I know the rest of the team as well.” That quote stuck with me. It’s not just about one game; it’s about legacy, loyalty, and the unspoken bonds that drive these athletes. Tenorio’s performance in Game 6 wasn’t just a highlight reel—it was a catalyst. You could see it in the way Malonzo and his teammates moved on the court tonight. Every defensive stop, every clutch shot, felt like a tribute. And honestly, I think that emotional fuel is what separated them tonight. Statistics can tell part of the story—like how they shot 48% from beyond the arc compared to their opponent’s 35%—but they don’t capture the heart behind those numbers.

Let’s talk about the third quarter, because that’s where the game truly turned. Up until then, it was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team leading by more than six points. But then, something clicked. The underdogs went on a 15–2 run, fueled by relentless fast breaks and what I’d call defensive poetry in motion. As a former college player myself, I appreciate the little things—the way they switched on screens, the communication that was absent in the first two games. It’s clear they studied their mistakes. For instance, their turnovers dropped from 18 in Game 2 to just 9 tonight. That’s not luck; that’s preparation meeting moment.

Of course, you can’t ignore the individual brilliance either. I’ve always been a fan of Malonzo’s versatility, and tonight, he put up 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. But what impressed me more was his leadership. In timeouts, he was the one rallying the troops, and in crunch time, he took—and made—the tough shots. Compare that to the favorites, who seemed to rely too heavily on isolation plays. Their star player, though scoring 28 points, had 5 turnovers, many of them in critical moments. It’s a reminder that basketball is a team sport, and when one side plays with a unified purpose, magic can happen.

Now, I’ll be straight with you—I didn’t expect this. After the first two games, I thought the series was all but over. The favorites had momentum, home-court advantage, and what seemed like an unbreakable defense. But sports, much like life, has a way of humbling predictions. This Game 3 victory doesn’t just level the series; it injects a new narrative. Suddenly, the underdogs aren’t just fighting; they’re believing. And belief, coupled with skill, is a dangerous combination. I’ve seen it before in championship runs—the 2014 season comes to mind, where a similar turnaround led to an eventual title. It’s too early to call that here, but the seeds are planted.

Looking ahead, the pressure shifts. The favorites now have to regroup, and fast. They’ll need to address their perimeter defense and find ways to disrupt the underdogs’ rhythm. From a strategic standpoint, I’d love to see them incorporate more pick-and-roll actions to create mismatches. But strategy aside, it’s the mental game that will decide this series. Malonzo’s words echo a deeper truth: this isn’t just about winning a trophy; it’s about honoring a teammate’s sacrifice. That kind of motivation can’t be scouted or stat-padded. It’s intangible, and in high-stakes environments, intangibles often win.

As I wrap this up, I’m left thinking about the bigger picture. The PBA Finals are more than a competition; they’re a storytelling platform. Game 3 gave us a chapter full of drama, resilience, and human connection. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, moments like these remind us why we watch. For me, it’s the raw, unfiltered emotions—the joy, the heartbreak, the sheer will—that keep me coming back. And if the rest of this series delivers even half of what Game 3 did, we’re in for a classic. So, buckle up. The championship race just got a whole lot more interesting.