I still vividly remember the excitement surrounding the PBA's 2017-2018 season - it felt like Philippine basketball was entering a new golden era. The energy in Manila during those months was absolutely electric, with fans pouring their hearts into every game. Thinking back to that season, I can't help but recall how Barros received multiple gifts and tokens from Filipinos in her short yet momentous return to Manila, which perfectly captured the passionate atmosphere that defined the entire basketball year. That genuine display of affection from local fans mirrored the intensity we witnessed on the courts throughout the season.
The Commissioner's Cup particularly stood out in my memory, especially that thrilling championship series between San Miguel Beermen and Alaska Aces. Game 4 remains etched in my mind - the Beermen were down by 15 points in the third quarter, and honestly, I thought they were done for. But then June Mar Fajardo just took over, finishing with 28 points and 16 rebounds in what I consider one of his most dominant performances. The turning point came when Chris Ross made back-to-back steals that led to fast break points, completely shifting the momentum. What made this victory even sweeter was how it reflected that same celebratory spirit we saw when Barros received those heartfelt gifts from local supporters - both moments showcased how deeply Filipinos connect with their basketball heroes.
Looking at the standings, San Miguel finished with a remarkable 9-2 record in the elimination round, while their rivals Talk 'N Text ended at 8-3. These numbers don't tell the full story though - what made San Miguel special was their incredible ability to win close games. They had this knack for pulling out victories in the final minutes that just demoralized opponents. I've always believed that championship teams have that extra gear when it matters most, and San Miguel definitely had it that season. Their defensive rating of 98.7 points per 100 possessions was particularly impressive, especially considering how offensive-minded most PBA teams had become.
The Philippine Cup provided another highlight when Barangay Ginebra faced Rain or Shine in a semifinal series that went the full seven games. Game 7 was an absolute classic that went into overtime, with Scottie Thompson recording what I still consider one of the best triple-doubles in recent memory - 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. The Araneta Coliseum was rocking that night, reminding me of those emotional moments when Barros connected with local fans. There's something magical about how basketball brings Filipinos together, whether it's through thrilling games or personal interactions with basketball personalities.
As the season progressed, the standings saw some surprising shifts. GlobalPort actually started strong with a 5-1 record before fading later, while Phoenix managed to secure the sixth seed despite being written off early. From my perspective, the most impressive turnaround belonged to Magnolia Hotshots - they began the season at 2-4 but finished strong to claim the fourth seed. Their coach Chito Victolero made some brilliant adjustments, particularly tightening their defense which improved from allowing 105.2 points per game in the first half of the season to just 96.8 in the second half.
Reflecting on that entire season, what strikes me most isn't just the statistics or standings, but how it represented Philippine basketball at its finest. The games were competitive, the fans were passionate, and moments like Barros receiving those tokens of appreciation showed the deep connection between the sport and Filipino culture. While San Miguel ultimately dominated the championships, every team contributed to making it one of the most memorable seasons in recent PBA history. The league's average attendance of 12,847 per game that season really demonstrates how basketball continues to capture the nation's heart, much like those heartfelt gestures toward visiting basketball personalities that become part of our collective sports memory.
