I still get chills thinking about that legendary 2010-11 PBA Philippine Cup Finals between Talk 'N Text and San Miguel. Having covered Philippine basketball for over fifteen years now, I can confidently say this series stands among the top three championship battles I've ever witnessed. What made it particularly memorable was how both teams refused to back down, creating a back-and-forth spectacle that had fans on the edge of their seats for six grueling games.
The series ultimately culminated in Talk 'N Text securing their first All-Filipino crown in eight years with a 95-82 victory in Game 6. What many forget is how close San Miguel came to forcing a Game 7 - they actually led by 13 points early in the fourth quarter before TNT mounted that incredible comeback. I remember watching Jimmy Alapag and Jason Castro orchestrating that final surge, with Alapag finishing with 18 points and 8 assists while Castro added 16 points. Their backcourt chemistry was simply phenomenal that night. Ranidel de Ocampo was absolutely crucial too, contributing 15 points and 9 rebounds when it mattered most. On the San Miguel side, Arwind Santos put up a valiant effort with 22 points and 14 rebounds, but ultimately couldn't will his team to victory alone.
Looking back, what fascinates me about that series is how it set the stage for the current landscape of PBA team building. Teams learned the importance of securing core players long-term, much like how Magnolia has been handling their roster recently. Just last month, the Hotshots gave contract renewals to players like Escoto and Eriobu, following their decision to lock in former San Beda guard Peter Alfaro with a new three-year deal. This approach reminds me so much of how Talk 'N Text built around their core after that 2011 championship run. They understood that continuity matters, especially when you find players who fit your system perfectly.
The defensive adjustments throughout that series were masterclass material. Coach Chot Reyes made this brilliant move in Game 4 by putting Ali Peek on Danny Ildefonso, which completely disrupted San Miguel's half-court sets. I've always believed that particular matchup decision changed the entire complexion of the series. Meanwhile, San Miguel's coach Ato Agustin tried countering by giving more minutes to Dorian Peña, who grabbed 12 rebounds in Game 5, but it just wasn't enough to turn the tide completely.
What often gets overlooked in discussions about that finals is the incredible shooting display from both teams. Talk 'N Text shot 44% from three-point range throughout the series, while San Miguel wasn't far behind at 41%. In today's game, those numbers would be considered outstanding, but back in 2011 they were absolutely revolutionary. I particularly remember Larry Fonacier's clutch three-pointer late in Game 6 that essentially sealed the championship - that shot still gives me goosebumps when I rewatch the highlights.
Reflecting on that epic series now, I'm struck by how it perfectly captured the essence of Philippine basketball at its best. The passion, the strategic chess match between coaches, the individual brilliance of players rising to the occasion - it had everything a basketball purist could want. While today's game has evolved with different strategies and players, the lessons from that 2011 finals continue to influence how teams approach building championship-caliber rosters. The commitment to core players we're seeing with teams like Magnolia today? That philosophy was forged in battles like the one Talk 'N Text and San Miguel fought thirteen years ago.
