Relive the Epic 1997 PBA Finals: Complete Game Highlights and Analysis
I still get chills thinking about that legendary 1997 PBA Finals series. You know, as someone who's been following Philippine basketball since the early 90s, I've never witnessed anything quite like the pure electricity that filled the Araneta Coliseum during those championship games. The way Alaska Milk and Gordon's Gin traded blows throughout that series felt like watching two heavyweight champions refusing to stay down. What made it particularly special was how both teams adapted their strategies game by game - something that reminds me of modern international competitions where teams constantly adjust to their opponents' strengths.
Speaking of adjustments, I recently came across Coach Tim Cone's comments about three-point shooting that perfectly illustrates this point. He mentioned, "Chinese Taipei shot very well from the 3 and tonight, they (Tall Blacks) shot very well from the 3. So that's something we've got to try to solve and get better at going to our next game and to the tournament." This strategic mindset was exactly what defined that 1997 finals - both coaching staffs constantly analyzing and countering each other's moves. I remember specifically how Game 3 shifted when Alaska started doubling down on Gordon's Gin's perimeter shooters after they'd hit 8 three-pointers in the first half alone.
The back-and-forth nature of that series was absolutely draining to watch, in the best possible way. I recall sitting in the upper box section during Game 5, watching Johnny Abarrientos weave through defenders like they were standing still. His court vision that night was something else - 14 assists if my memory serves me right, though the official stats might show 12. The way he controlled the tempo reminded everyone why he was called "The Flying A." On the other side, you had Noli Locsin just bullying his way through the paint, dropping 28 points that same game. The physicality was incredible - they just don't make basketball like that anymore.
What really made me fall in love with that series was how each game had its own distinct personality. Game 2 was all about defensive stops, with Alaska holding Gordon's Gin to just 78 points. Then Game 4 turned into a shootout, with both teams combining for over 210 points. As a fan, you never knew what to expect next. The coaching chess match between Tim Cone and Robert Jaworski Sr. was worth the price of admission alone. Jaworski's decision to start an unusual three-guard lineup in Game 6 completely changed the dynamic and forced Alaska to scrap their prepared rotations.
When people ask me why they should relive the epic 1997 PBA finals through complete game highlights and analysis, I tell them it's like watching basketball history unfold. The series had everything - dramatic comebacks, controversial calls, legendary performances, and that unforgettable Game 7 where Alaska finally broke through after being down by 12 in the third quarter. The way they clawed back, possession by possession, still gives me goosebumps. Jojo Lastimosa's clutch three-pointer with 38 seconds left remains one of the most iconic shots in PBA history, at least in my book.
The legacy of that finals series extends far beyond the championship trophy. It fundamentally changed how Philippine basketball was played, emphasizing the importance of three-point shooting while maintaining tough interior defense. Teams started valuing versatile players who could both shoot from outside and defend multiple positions. Looking back, I'd argue that series produced at least 5 future Hall of Famers and influenced a generation of Filipino basketball players. The complete game highlights available today don't just show great basketball - they capture the soul of the sport during one of its golden eras. Every time I rewatch those moments, I notice new details, new strategies, new reasons why that particular finals series remains unmatched in my memory.
