I still remember watching Game 4 of the NBA Finals with that familiar tension in my stomach, knowing how championship-clinching games can become psychological battlegrounds. Having covered basketball for over fifteen years, I've witnessed countless teams crumble under the pressure of close-out opportunities. There's something uniquely challenging about delivering that final blow to a worthy opponent, a sentiment perfectly captured by LA Tenorio's words about close-out games being "really the hardest part of the series." That psychological dimension often outweighs the physical aspects when a championship hangs in the balance.
The game started with both teams displaying what I'd call "championship jitters" - missed open shots, uncharacteristic turnovers, and defensive over-rotations. In the first quarter alone, the teams combined for 8 turnovers and shot just 38% from the field. What stood out to me was how the eventual champions managed to maintain their defensive identity despite the offensive struggles. Their ability to generate stops during scoring droughts reminded me of Tenorio's emphasis on "depensahan" - that defensive mindset becomes paramount when everything's on the line. I've always believed defense travels better than offense in high-pressure situations, and this game proved that theory correct once again.
Midway through the second quarter, we witnessed what I consider the championship's true turning point. With 5:32 remaining before halftime and trailing by 7 points, the eventual champions went on a 14-2 run that completely shifted the game's momentum. The run featured three consecutive three-pointers, including one from 28 feet out that I'd argue broke the opponent's spirit. Having seen similar momentum swings throughout my career, I could sense the psychological shift happening in real-time. The opponents' body language changed visibly - slumped shoulders, decreased communication, and rushed offensive possessions. It's exactly what Tenorio described when referencing previous failures in close-out situations, that haunting knowledge of "we've been here before" that can either motivate or paralyze a team.
What impressed me most was how the championship team learned from past failures, much like Tenorio's recollection of losing twice in similar situations against Meralco. The players later told me they'd spent hours reviewing their previous close-out failures, specifically focusing on maintaining composure during opponent runs. This preparation manifested in the third quarter when their opponents mounted a predictable but dangerous comeback attempt, cutting a 15-point lead down to just 4 in under six minutes. Instead of panicking, the champions responded with methodical execution, running their offensive sets with precision and generating high-percentage shots. They scored on 7 of their next 8 possessions, a remarkable 87.5% efficiency rate that essentially sealed the game.
The fourth quarter became a masterclass in championship execution. The winning team committed only 2 turnovers while shooting 52% from the field and 90% from the free-throw line. Their star player, who I've followed since his rookie season, delivered what might be the defining performance of his career with 12 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds in the final period alone. What the statistics don't show is the leadership he displayed during timeouts, constantly reminding his teammates that "the job isn't done" - echoing the wisdom in Tenorio's acknowledgment that knowing "the feeling" of previous failures can drive current success.
As the final seconds ticked away, I found myself reflecting on how this victory exemplified the evolution of a championship team. They didn't just win with talent; they won with institutional knowledge gained through previous failures. The confetti raining down represented not just a single game's triumph but the culmination of lessons learned through heartbreak. In my view, that's what separates good teams from legendary ones - the ability to transform past failures into present strengths. This Game 4 victory will be remembered not just for the championship it delivered, but for demonstrating how psychological resilience can be just as important as physical talent in determining who ultimately raises the trophy.