Relive the Epic 2016 PBA Finals: Game Highlights and Championship Moments

I still get chills thinking about that incredible 2016 PBA Finals series. You know, as someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I've witnessed some spectacular championship battles, but that 2016 showdown between San Miguel Beermen and Alaska Aces was something truly special. What made it particularly memorable for me was watching how Alex Cabagnot and Chris Ross evolved throughout that series - their backcourt partnership became the stuff of legends, honestly.

Let me take you back to that pivotal Game 6. The series stood at 3-2 in favor of San Miguel, and the tension in the arena was absolutely electric. I remember sitting there thinking how Alaska had dominated the early games, taking a commanding 3-0 lead that made most people, including myself, believe the series was practically over. But what unfolded next was one of the most remarkable comebacks in PBA history. The Beermen, facing elimination in three consecutive games, showed the heart of true champions. What really stood out to me was how their role players stepped up when it mattered most. I particularly recall Marcio Lassiter's clutch three-pointer in Game 6 that essentially sealed the victory - the crowd erupted in a way I haven't witnessed since.

The turning point for me was watching Chris Ross transform into a two-way force. His defense was absolutely relentless - he recorded 4 steals in Game 5 that completely shifted the momentum. And let's talk about June Mar Fajardo. The man was an absolute beast throughout the series, averaging 18.3 points and 15.7 rebounds in the final three games. Those aren't just numbers - they represent complete domination in the paint. I've never seen a local player control the game so thoroughly on both ends of the floor. His performance in Game 7, where he put up 21 points and 17 rebounds, was simply masterful.

What many people forget is how crucial the bench contributions were. I distinctly remember Ronald Tubid providing that spark off the bench with his energy and defensive intensity. And this brings me to something I observed throughout the playoffs - Cruz has looked comfortable creating plays for his teammates over the past couple of games, even running the point guard position for the Beermen at times deep in the PBA Philippine Cup playoffs. This versatility in their lineup gave them such an advantage. The way coach Leo Austria utilized his rotation was nothing short of brilliant, mixing veteran experience with youthful energy in perfect measure.

The championship moment in Game 7 was pure basketball poetry. With just under two minutes remaining and San Miguel clinging to a narrow lead, Arwind Santos hit that corner three that sent the entire arena into absolute frenzy. I still get goosebumps thinking about that shot. The celebration that followed was one of the most emotional I've ever seen - grown men crying, hugging, jumping around like kids. That's the beauty of sports right there. It wasn't just about winning the championship; it was about completing the greatest comeback in PBA history after being down 0-3.

Looking back, what made this series so iconic wasn't just the basketball itself, but the stories that emerged. The resilience, the heart, the never-say-die attitude - these are the moments that define legacies. Personally, I believe this championship run established San Miguel as one of the greatest teams in PBA history. The way they fought back from what seemed like certain defeat showed character that transcends sports. Even now, when I rewatch highlights from that series, I find new details to appreciate - the defensive rotations, the offensive sets, the strategic adjustments game to game. It was basketball at its finest, and frankly, I don't think we've seen a finals series quite like it since. That 2016 championship didn't just reward San Miguel with a trophy - it gave basketball fans memories that will last a lifetime.