Relive the Top 5 Unforgettable Moments from PBA Finals 2022 Championship

I still get chills thinking about the 2022 PBA Finals Championship—what an absolute rollercoaster of emotions that was. As someone who’s followed professional basketball for years, both as a fan and an industry observer, I can confidently say that last year’s finals delivered some of the most jaw-dropping moments in recent memory. From clutch shots to unexpected comebacks, the series had it all. And you know what? It’s moments like these that remind me why I fell in love with sports in the first place. There’s something raw and real about watching athletes lay it all on the line when the stakes are highest. So today, I want to walk you through my top five unforgettable moments from that incredible championship run. Trust me, you’ll want to relive these.

Let’s start with Game 3, which, in my opinion, completely shifted the momentum of the entire series. The score was tied with just under 10 seconds left, and the arena was so loud you could feel the vibrations in your chest. Then came that iconic three-pointer from Jamie Malonzo—a shot I’ll argue was one of the cleanest, most cold-blooded moves I’ve seen in a finals game. The precision, the release, the way the net barely moved—it was pure art. Statistics from that night showed Malonzo shot 48% from beyond the arc, but honestly, in that moment, it felt like 100%. I remember texting my friends right after, saying, "That’s the kind of play people will talk about for years." It wasn’t just a basket; it was a statement. And it set the tone for what was to come.

Then there was June Mar Fajardo’s dominant performance in Game 5. Now, I’ve always been a huge fan of Fajardo—the guy’s consistency is just unreal—but what he did in that game was next-level. He dropped 28 points and grabbed 17 rebounds, numbers that still blow my mind. But beyond the stats, it was his presence on the court. He controlled the paint like a general, and every time he got the ball, you could feel the opposing team’s anxiety spike. I’ve spoken with a few coaches who’ve worked with him, and they all say the same thing: his work ethic is what separates him. Watching him that night, I couldn’t help but think how much home-court advantage played into it. It reminded me of something golfer Miguel Tabuena once said during a press conference before a major tournament: "You always want to perform well in your home country." That sentiment resonated deeply with me as I watched Fajardo feed off the energy of the home crowd. There’s a unique pressure—and privilege—in playing where your roots are, and Fajardo embodied that perfectly.

Another moment that stands out is Scottie Thompson’s triple-double in Game 4. Now, I’ll admit, I’ve had my doubts about Thompson in high-pressure situations before, but he silenced every critic—including me—with that performance. 19 points, 12 assists, 11 rebounds—those aren’t just numbers; they’re a testament to his growth as a player. What struck me most was his versatility. He wasn’t just scoring; he was orchestrating the game, finding openings nobody else saw. I remember one play where he stole the ball, sprinted down the court, and dished a no-look pass for an easy layup. The crowd went wild, and so did I, honestly. It’s plays like that which make you appreciate how much strategy and instinct go into the game. From an SEO perspective, if I were writing a piece on "most underrated PBA players," Thompson’s name would be at the top of my list after that showing.

But let’s not forget the emotional highlight: Coach Tim Cone’s post-game interview after they clinched the title. I’ve followed Cone’s career for decades, and I’ve never seen him so openly emotional. His voice cracked as he talked about the team’s journey—the injuries, the setbacks, the late-night practices. He mentioned how they’d spent over 200 hours in film sessions alone during the playoffs, a number that might sound exaggerated but honestly feels accurate given the results. For me, that interview was a reminder that behind every trophy are countless hours of grind and heart. It’s easy to get caught up in the glamour of winning, but Cone laid bare the reality: it’s damn hard work. And as someone who’s worked in sports media, I can tell you that those human elements—the raw, unfiltered emotions—are what make stories like this stick with fans long after the final buzzer.

Lastly, I have to mention the Game 7 finale, which drew an estimated 18,000 live attendees and shattered TV ratings records with around 4.2 million viewers tuning in at its peak. The back-and-forth in the fourth quarter was exhausting to watch—in the best way possible. Every possession felt like it could be the one that decided everything. And when the confetti finally fell, I found myself just sitting there, soaking it all in. Reflecting on the series as a whole, it’s clear that the 2022 PBA Finals weren’t just about basketball; they were about legacy, resilience, and that undeniable home-court magic Tabuena alluded to. Whether you’re a player or a fan, there’s something special about witnessing history in your own backyard. As I wrap this up, I’m already counting down the days until the next championship. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the PBA never fails to deliver unforgettable moments—and I, for one, can’t wait to see what’s next.