Relive the Top 10 Unforgettable Moments from the 2017-18 PBA Season

Looking back at the 2017-18 PBA season still gives me chills—it was one of those rare campaigns where drama, skill, and unforgettable narratives blended seamlessly. As someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I can confidently say that season had it all: buzzer-beaters, breakout stars, and emotional comebacks that left fans buzzing for months. I remember sitting courtside for a few of those games, feeling the energy ripple through the arena, and thinking, "This is why we love this sport." In this piece, I want to walk you through my personal picks for the top 10 moments that defined that incredible year—moments that, even now, spark lively debates among die-hard PBA enthusiasts.

Let’s kick things off with the rise of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, a team that felt both unstoppable and vulnerable in the same breath. Their frontline, once a fortress, showed cracks after Christian Standhardinger’s departure and Isaac Go’s unfortunate injury following his trade from Terrafirma. I’ve always believed that a team’s identity lives in its big men, and watching Ginebra navigate that season was like seeing a puzzle with missing pieces. They still pulled off heroic wins, but you could sense the strain—especially in games where rebounding and interior defense made the difference. For instance, in their semifinal clash against San Miguel Beermen, they conceded an average of 14 second-chance points, a stat that haunted them in close contests. It’s moments like these that remind me how fragile success can be; one injury or roster change can tilt the entire balance.

Then there was that iconic Game 7 of the Governors’ Cup Finals between Ginebra and Meralco—a showdown I’ll never forget. Justin Brownlee’s game-winning three-pointer as time expired wasn’t just a shot; it was pure magic. I recall the arena erupting, strangers hugging, and the sheer disbelief on everyone’s faces. Brownlee finished with 32 points that night, cementing his legacy as one of the PBA’s most clutch imports. But what stood out to me wasn’t just the shot—it was how Ginebra’s depleted frontline still found a way to contribute. Greg Slaughter, though often criticized, grabbed 12 rebounds that game, proving that even amid challenges, heart can carry a team. It’s a lesson I carry into my own work: sometimes, you have to lean on what you have, not what you’ve lost.

Another standout memory was June Mar Fajardo’s historic sixth MVP award. Watching him dominate night after night felt like witnessing a living legend in action. He averaged 20.1 points and 12.5 rebounds that season, numbers that speak for themselves. But beyond stats, it was his humility and consistency that resonated with me. I’ve met countless players over the years, but Fajardo’s work ethic is something I try to emulate in my own field—showing up, day in and day out, with the same hunger. His duel with Stanley Pringle in the Philippine Cup Finals was a masterclass in big-man play, a reminder that greatness isn’t always flashy; sometimes, it’s in the grind.

The emergence of young guns like CJ Perez and Robert Bolick also left a mark. Perez, in particular, exploded onto the scene with Terrafirma, dropping 30-point games like it was nothing. I remember thinking, "This kid is the future." His speed and fearlessness brought a fresh energy to the league, and it’s no surprise he bagged the Rookie of the Year honors. On the other hand, Bolick’s leadership at NorthPort was a joy to watch—his clutch gene in tight games, like that 25-point outburst against Rain or Shine, showed maturity beyond his years. As a analyst, I’ve always valued players who elevate those around them, and these two did exactly that.

Of course, no recap would be complete without mentioning the controversial trades and coaching shifts. The move that sent Isaac Go to Ginebra, only for him to sit out with injury, was a talking point all season. In my opinion, it highlighted the risks of mid-season deals—something I’ve seen backfire in other leagues too. Teams often gamble on potential, but as the 2017-18 season showed, luck doesn’t always play along. Still, Ginebra’s ability to adapt, even with a patched-up roster, speaks volumes about Tim Cone’s coaching genius. I’ve always admired how he maximizes talent, turning weaknesses into opportunities.

Wrapping up, the 2017-18 PBA season was a rollercoaster of emotions and milestones. From Brownlee’s heroics to Fajardo’s reign and the young stars’ arrival, it was a year that balanced legacy with renewal. Reflecting on it now, I’m reminded why I fell in love with this sport—it’s not just about wins and losses, but the stories that unfold along the way. As fans, we relive these moments, dissect them, and let them inspire us. And who knows? Maybe the lessons from that season—like Ginebra’s resilience amid frontline woes—will echo in the years to come, shaping new chapters in PBA history.