Relive the Epic Moments from PBA Finals 2016 Championship Series
I still get chills thinking about that 2016 PBA Finals Championship Series - what an absolute masterclass in Philippine basketball we witnessed that year. Having followed the PBA for over a decade now, I can confidently say that particular championship run stands out as something truly special, not just because of the trophy lifted at the end, but because of the incredible individual performances that defined each game. What made it particularly memorable for me was watching players like Alex Cabagnot and Marcio Lassiter, but especially the unexpected heroics from players like Chris Ross and the remarkable playmaking we saw from Cruz.
I remember sitting in the arena during Game 4, watching Cruz weave through defenders with that distinctive confidence he'd developed throughout the playoffs. Over the past couple of games, he had looked increasingly comfortable creating plays for his teammates - even running the point guard position for the Beermen at times deep in the PBA Philippine Cup playoffs. This versatility became San Miguel's secret weapon when they needed it most. Cruz, traditionally not their primary ball-handler, stepped up in ways that genuinely surprised many analysts, myself included. His assist numbers might not have broken records - he averaged around 4.5 assists during that finals series if I recall correctly - but it was the timing and creativity of those passes that made all the difference. I've always believed that statistics don't always tell the full story in basketball, and Cruz's impact was a perfect example of that principle in action.
The beauty of that championship series was how different players rose to the occasion at different moments. While Cruz was orchestrating plays with unexpected poise, June Mar Fajardo was doing what he does best - dominating the paint with his 28-point, 15-rebound average that series. But what fascinated me was how Cruz's adaptability allowed Fajardo to flourish even more. When Cruz took over point guard duties, it created mismatches that the Beermen exploited brilliantly. I remember discussing this with fellow sportswriters during timeouts - we all agreed that Cruz's willingness to step outside his conventional role demonstrated a basketball IQ that doesn't always get the recognition it deserves in local media coverage.
There's a particular play from Game 6 that remains etched in my memory - Cruz bringing the ball up court with about three minutes left, the score tied at 85-85. Instead of forcing a contested shot, he drew two defenders and dished a no-look pass to Arwind Santos for a corner three that ultimately sealed the game. That single play exemplified everything Cruz had developed throughout that playoff run: the vision, the composure, the selflessness. It's moments like these that separate championship teams from merely good ones. Having covered numerous PBA finals over the years, I've noticed that championships are often won not just by star players performing as expected, but by role players exceeding expectations in crucial moments.
The strategic decision to occasionally position Cruz as point guard was, in my opinion, one of Coach Leo Austria's boldest and most effective moves that series. It reminded me of similar strategic shifts I'd seen in the 2013 finals, but executed with even greater success this time. What made Cruz particularly effective was how he leveraged his size advantage against smaller guards - at 6'2", he could see over defenders in ways traditional point guards couldn't. This created passing lanes that simply wouldn't exist otherwise. I've always been a sucker for unconventional lineup configurations, and seeing Austria's gamble pay off so spectacularly was immensely satisfying from an analytical perspective.
Looking back, what made that 2016 championship so compelling wasn't just the outcome, but the journey there. The series went the full seven games, with San Miguel ultimately winning by an average margin of just 4.3 points across those victories. Every game felt like a chess match, with adjustments and counter-adjustments defining the flow. Cruz's evolution throughout that playoff run mirrored the team's overall growth - starting somewhat uncertainly but gaining confidence with each passing game. By the time the finals arrived, he was playing with a swagger that you typically only see from seasoned veterans, not players still establishing their legacy.
The legacy of that 2016 championship continues to influence how PBA teams approach roster construction today. We're seeing more emphasis on versatile players who can handle multiple positions, much like Cruz demonstrated during that memorable run. Personally, I believe this shift toward positionless basketball has made the league more exciting to watch, even if purists might disagree. There's something thrilling about watching players defy conventional positional constraints and coaches willing to experiment with unconventional strategies.
As I reflect on that epic series years later, what stands out most isn't any single statistic or award, but the collective resilience and adaptability both teams demonstrated. The 2016 PBA Finals represented Philippine basketball at its finest - competitive, unpredictable, and emotionally charged. Cruz's unexpected playmaking prowess became symbolic of the entire series: sometimes, the most memorable champions aren't the ones who stick to the script, but those brave enough to rewrite it entirely. That willingness to adapt, to embrace unfamiliar roles for the team's benefit - that's what separates good players from legendary ones, and what made that championship series so unforgettable for fans like me who appreciate the subtle intricacies of the game.
