Watching Kean being stretchered off the court during Game 3 of the SMB vs Meralco series was one of those moments that just sticks with you. I’ve covered dozens of playoff games over the years, and there’s something uniquely powerful about seeing a teammate’s reaction to an injury like that—it’s raw, emotional, and often becomes a turning point. In this case, it clearly lit a fire under the team, and honestly, I think it reshaped the entire dynamic of the game. The final score, 98-92 in favor of San Miguel, doesn’t fully capture how intense and back-and-forth this matchup was, especially in the second half. From my perspective, this wasn’t just a game; it was a statement about resilience, and I’ll break down exactly how that unfolded.
Let’s start with the numbers because they tell part of the story. SMB shot 45% from the field, which, while decent, wasn’t their best performance—they’ve hit closer to 50% in previous outings. But where they really shined was in the paint, outscoring Meralco 52-40, and that dominance inside felt like a direct response to Kean’s absence. June Mar Fajardo, as always, was a beast, putting up 24 points and 12 rebounds, but what stood out to me was the energy from role players like Chris Ross, who chipped in 15 points and 5 steals. On the Meralco side, they kept it close thanks to Allein Maliksi’s 22 points and some sharp three-point shooting early on, but they struggled to maintain that momentum when SMB tightened their defense in the fourth quarter. I’ve always felt that Meralco relies too heavily on perimeter scoring, and in this game, that became their Achilles’ heel—they only managed 8 fast break points compared to SMB’s 18, which highlights how SMB controlled the tempo.
What really stood out to me, though, was the emotional shift after Kean went down. I remember thinking, "This could go either way—either the team folds or they rally." And rally they did. You could see it in their body language; players were communicating more, diving for loose balls, and making those extra passes that break defenses. It reminded me of playoff games I’ve seen where a single moment of adversity becomes the catalyst for a comeback. For instance, in the third quarter, SMB went on a 12-2 run, and it felt like they were playing with a sense of purpose that Meralco just couldn’t match. From my experience, that kind of intangible factor often outweighs pure talent in high-stakes games, and here, it clearly made the difference. I’d even argue that without that motivation, SMB might not have pulled off the win, given how evenly matched these teams are on paper.
Looking at the broader picture, this game underscores why SMB remains a powerhouse in the league—they have depth, leadership, and the ability to adapt under pressure. Meralco, on the other hand, needs to address their consistency issues; they’ve shown flashes of brilliance, but in critical moments, they tend to falter. Personally, I think their coaching staff should consider mixing up their offensive sets to create more inside opportunities, rather than settling for outside shots. As for SMB, if they can maintain this level of intensity, especially with Kean potentially sidelined, they’re poised for a deep playoff run. In the end, Game 3 was more than just a win; it was a testament to how sports can bring out the best in people, turning adversity into triumph. I’ll be keeping a close eye on how both teams adjust moving forward, because if this game taught us anything, it’s that heart and hustle often decide who comes out on top.