PBA Finals Analysis: How TNT Overcame Meralco in Their Latest Championship Match

Let me tell you, watching TNT dismantle Meralco in that championship series was something special. I've been covering Philippine basketball for over a decade now, and what we witnessed in that finals matchup was a masterclass in playoff execution. While the focus has been on the championship series, I couldn't help but notice the parallel lessons from Rain or Shine's heartbreaking Game 2 loss in the semifinals that Adrian Nocum referenced - that mindset of learning from defeat rather than being crushed by it.

The turning point came in Game 3 when TNT made that crucial adjustment to their defensive scheme. I remember sitting courtside and noticing how they started trapping Meralco's ball handlers at half-court, something they hadn't shown throughout the regular season. Coach Chot Reyes pulled this strategy out of his back pocket at exactly the right moment. The numbers don't lie - Meralco's turnover rate jumped from 12% in the first two games to nearly 23% in the decisive Game 5. That's championship-level adaptation right there.

What really impressed me was how TNT's veterans stepped up when it mattered most. Jayson Castro, at 36 years old, looked like he turned back the clock. I've followed his career since his amateur days, and his performance in the fourth quarter of Game 4 was simply legendary. He scored 15 points in the final period alone, including that incredible step-back three over Chris Newsome with 28 seconds left. Those aren't just numbers - that's legacy-building stuff. Meanwhile, Mikey Williams, who I've always believed is the most explosive scorer in the league when he gets hot, provided that consistent offensive punch that Meralco simply couldn't match.

The bench production told another story. I've been critical of TNT's depth throughout the season, but their second unit outscored Meralco's by an average of 18 points in the final three games. That's not just a statistical advantage - that's a systematic dismantling of your opponent's rotation. Players like Roger Pogoy, who I consider one of the most underrated two-way players in the league, provided that energy boost exactly when the starters needed breathers.

Meralco had their moments, don't get me wrong. Chris Banchero was spectacular in stretches, and their defensive schemes caused problems early in the series. But watching from my vantage point, I noticed they lacked that one player who could consistently create his own shot when their offensive sets broke down. Too often, they settled for contested jumpers late in the shot clock - exactly what TNT's defense wanted them to take.

The rebounding battle became increasingly one-sided as the series progressed. TNT outrebounded Meralco by an average of 8 boards in the final two games, with their big men controlling the paint in ways I haven't seen since the heyday of the San Miguel dynasty. Kelly Williams, at 40 years old, grabbing 14 rebounds in an elimination game? That's not just impressive - that's historically significant.

What struck me most was the psychological warfare aspect. TNT seemed to get into Meralco's head, particularly in the second halves of games. You could see the frustration building on Meralco's bench - the missed assignments, the rushed shots, the technical fouls. Having covered numerous championship series, I can tell you that mental toughness often separates champions from contenders. TNT displayed that championship DNA when the pressure mounted.

The three-point shooting disparity ultimately told the story. TNT shot 38% from beyond the arc throughout the series compared to Meralco's 29%. In today's game, that's practically an insurmountable gap. I've always believed that the three-ball is the great equalizer in modern basketball, and TNT's ability to knock down contested threes while limiting Meralco's open looks proved decisive.

Looking back at Adrian Nocum's comments about taking a positive mindset forward after Rain or Shine's tough loss, I see parallels in how TNT approached this series. They had suffered disappointing playoff exits in recent years, but rather than letting those defeats define them, they used them as learning experiences. That growth mindset, combined with strategic adjustments and veteran leadership, created the perfect storm for their championship run.

The legacy of this championship extends beyond just another banner. It establishes TNT as the new standard in the PBA, a team that can win through both offensive firepower and defensive discipline. Having watched Philippine basketball evolve over the years, I believe this TNT squad has the potential to build a dynasty if they maintain this level of play and continue adapting to challenges. Their victory wasn't just about talent - it was about preparation, mentality, and that intangible quality that separates good teams from great ones.