Watching Game 1 of the PBA Finals last night, I couldn’t help but feel that familiar rush—the kind only playoff basketball delivers. As a longtime follower of the league, I’ve seen plenty of games swing on a single play, but last night’s clash between Cignal and Creamline was something else. Even though Creamline had already secured a spot in the knockout quarterfinals alongside Cignal—yes, despite dropping their second game to ZUS Coffee earlier—this match felt like a statement. Let me walk you through the moments that, in my view, decided this one.
Right from the tip-off, you could tell both teams came prepared, but Creamline’s energy was just a notch higher. I remember thinking midway through the second quarter, "This is where it could slip away." And sure enough, a quick 8-0 run by Creamline—sparked by back-to-back three-pointers—gave them a cushion they never really surrendered. One play that stood out? Their point guard driving into the lane, drawing two defenders, and kicking it out to an open shooter in the corner. That kind of unselfish ball movement is what separates contenders from pretenders, and Creamline executed it flawlessly at least three times in crucial stretches.
On the flip side, Cignal had their chances but just couldn’t capitalize when it mattered most. I noticed they struggled with turnovers—I’d estimate around 15 in total—many of which came during fast breaks. There was this one sequence where they had a 3-on-1 opportunity but fumbled the pass out of bounds. Moments like those deflate a team, and honestly, I think that cost them any shot at mounting a late comeback. Defensively, Cignal’s big men were solid in the paint, but Creamline’s guards exploited the perimeter, hitting what felt like 12 of their 25 attempts from beyond the arc. Those numbers might not be exact, but the impact was undeniable.
What really sealed the deal, though, was the composure under pressure. With about five minutes left, Creamline’s veteran leader sank a contested jumper while drawing a foul. That four-point play felt like a dagger, pushing their lead to 9 points—a margin Cignal never closed. As someone who’s watched this rivalry evolve, I’ve got to say, Creamline’s resilience after that earlier loss to ZUS Coffee impressed me. It’s like they used that defeat as fuel, and it showed in their disciplined fourth-quarter execution.
In the end, while both teams are through to the quarterfinals, this game sets the tone for what’s ahead. For Cignal, tightening up ball security and converting those fast breaks will be key. As for Creamline, if they keep sharing the ball and knocking down shots like this, I’d bet on them going deep into the playoffs. Sure, I might be a little biased—I’ve always admired teams that bounce back strong—but last night’s performance was a testament to why this sport never gets old.