Watching Raymond Kean being stretchered off the court during Game 2 was one of those moments that just sticks with you. I’ve covered basketball for over a decade, and I’ve seen injuries shift the momentum of a series more times than I can count. When I heard SMB’s veteran guard, Jayson Castro, say afterward, "When I was watching him getting stretchered off the court, it was also like a motivation and a sign for us to step up," it hit me—this isn’t just about tactics or stats anymore. It’s about heart, and that’s what makes Game 3 between San Miguel Beermen and Meralco Bolts so compelling. Both teams are tied 1-1, but the emotional stakes have been cranked up to another level entirely.
San Miguel, historically dominant in the PBA with 28 championships under their belt, looked vulnerable in Game 1, especially with their three-point shooting dipping to just 31%. But after Kean’s injury, something shifted. You could see it in the way June Mar Fajardo dominated the paint in Game 2, putting up 24 points and 14 rebounds. That kind of performance isn’t just skill—it’s fueled by emotion. On the other side, Meralco’s Chris Newsome has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 22.5 points this series, but I worry their reliance on perimeter shooting might backfire if SMB’s defense tightens up. From my perspective, Meralco’s ball movement has been crisp—they dished out 26 assists in Game 1—but they’ll need more from their bench if they want to keep pace.
Let’s talk matchups. Fajardo versus Raymond Almazan in the paint is going to be pivotal. Almazan’s defensive presence has improved, but Fajardo’s footwork and experience give him the edge, especially in high-pressure situations. I’ve always believed that playoff series are won in the trenches, and SMB’s ability to control the boards—they outrebounded Meralco by 12 in Game 2—could be the difference-maker. On the perimeter, Castro’s leadership will be crucial. At 37, he might not have the same explosiveness, but his decision-making in clutch moments is why I’d lean toward SMB in a close game. Meralco, though, has youth on their side. Players like Allein Maliksi have shown they can light it up from beyond the arc, hitting 5 threes in Game 1, but consistency has been their Achilles’ heel.
What fascinates me most is the psychological aspect. Kean’s injury has clearly lit a fire under SMB, and in my experience, teams that rally around adversity often find another gear. Meralco, meanwhile, can’t afford to let emotions dictate their game. They need to stick to their system—fast breaks, spacing, and disciplined defense. If they let SMB’s physicality disrupt their flow, this could slip away quickly. Statistically, SMB has won 65% of their Game 3 appearances in tied series over the last five years, while Meralco sits at around 48%. Numbers don’t lie, but as we all know, playoffs have a way of defying logic.
Ultimately, I think San Miguel’s veteran savvy and emotional drive will carry them through. Fajardo is just too much to handle inside, and with Castro steering the ship, they’ve got the composure to close out tight games. Meralco will put up a fight—Newsome is too talented not to—but unless their role players step up in a big way, I see SMB taking a 2-1 series lead. Whatever happens, this matchup is shaping up to be one for the books, and as a longtime follower of the league, I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.