Breaking Down the PBA Finals Game 7 Score: Key Plays and Final Results Analysis

I remember watching that PBA Finals Game 7 with bated breath, the kind of nervous excitement that only championship-deciding games can produce. The final score of 89-78 doesn't fully capture the emotional rollercoaster that unfolded on that court, though it certainly tells part of the story. Having analyzed countless basketball games throughout my career, I can confidently say this particular matchup will stick with me for years - not just because of the championship implications, but because of how perfectly it demonstrated the importance of managing player health alongside competitive intensity.

What struck me most about that game was how the score remained remarkably tight through the first three quarters, with neither team able to establish more than a six-point lead. The turning point came early in the fourth quarter when the eventual champions went on that decisive 14-2 run over about four minutes of game time. I've always believed that championship teams find ways to create these explosive stretches when it matters most, and this game proved that theory perfectly. The statistics show they shot 5-for-7 during that stretch while forcing three turnovers - numbers that might seem modest but represent championship-level execution under pressure.

The injury situation surrounding their star player adds another layer to this analysis that I find particularly fascinating. When she revealed her supraspinatus tendinitis diagnosis in her left shoulder, it made me reconsider her performance in that final game. Watching the replay, I noticed she favored that shoulder during certain movements, particularly on defensive rotations and when fighting through screens. Yet she still managed to contribute 18 points and 7 assists - numbers that would be impressive for a fully healthy player, let alone someone dealing with that type of inflammation. In my experience covering sports injuries, supraspinatus tendinitis can significantly impact shooting mechanics and overhead movements, which makes her performance even more remarkable.

Looking at the final quarter breakdown, the winning team shot 52% from the field while holding their opponents to just 35% - a defensive effort that I believe directly resulted from their ability to manage their star player's minutes strategically throughout the series. They limited her to 32 minutes in Game 7, about 4-5 minutes less than her regular season average, and this fresh-legged fourth-quarter presence made all the difference. The bench contributed 28 points total, with particular standout performances from two role players who combined for 19 points on efficient shooting.

The losing team's struggle to score down the stretch became increasingly apparent as the game progressed. They went nearly six minutes without a field goal during that critical fourth-quarter stretch, missing 11 consecutive shots at one point. From my perspective, their offensive sets became predictable, relying too heavily on isolation plays rather than the ball movement that had brought them success earlier in the series. Their star player finished with 25 points but needed 27 shots to get there - efficiency numbers that simply won't cut it in a Game 7 situation.

What impressed me most about the championship team's approach was their adaptability. They recognized their star's physical limitations and adjusted their offensive sets accordingly, running more actions that didn't require her to handle the ball extensively above shoulder level. They incorporated more dribble hand-offs and off-ball screens that allowed her to catch and shoot rather than create off the dribble. These subtle adjustments demonstrate championship-level coaching and self-awareness that I wish more teams would emulate.

The rebounding battle told another important story in this game, with the winners holding a 48-39 advantage, including 12 offensive rebounds that led to 16 second-chance points. I've always believed that effort stats like rebounds often determine close games, and this was a perfect example. Their center grabbed 14 rebounds despite playing through what I later learned was his own nagging knee issue - another testament to the hidden injuries players often manage during championship runs.

As the final minutes ticked away, the strategic fouling and timeout patterns revealed just how prepared the coaching staff was for this moment. They subbed in better free-throw shooters at precisely the right moments, and their late-game execution resulted in them making 8 of their final 10 free throws to seal the victory. These might seem like small details, but in my analysis, it's these prepared moments that separate champions from contenders.

Reflecting on this game months later, what stands out isn't just the final score or the championship celebration, but the incredible display of perseverance despite physical limitations. The supraspinatus tendinitis revelation puts the entire series in a different light for me, highlighting how much we don't see as spectators. That player's ability to contribute meaningfully while managing that condition speaks volumes about professional athletes' resilience. The final score of 89-78 will remain in the record books, but the story behind those numbers is what makes this Game 7 truly memorable in my view.