Ginebra vs San Miguel Game 4 Highlights: Key Plays and Final Score Analysis

As I settled in to watch Game 4 of the Ginebra vs San Miguel series, I couldn't help but draw immediate parallels to another fascinating matchup happening simultaneously in the women's volleyball scene. Just like Kobe Shinwa and Chery Tiggo currently share identical 2-1 records with two games remaining in their respective series, we witnessed tonight how quickly momentum can shift in professional basketball. The energy in the arena was electric from tip-off, with both teams understanding that this game could essentially determine the series outcome.

What struck me most about tonight's contest was how both coaches approached the game with different strategic philosophies. San Miguel came out with an aggressive defensive scheme that I haven't seen them employ consistently throughout the series. They forced Ginebra into several early turnovers, converting them into easy transition baskets. The first quarter ended with San Miguel leading 28-22, but what the score didn't show was how Ginebra's shooting percentage dropped to just 38% from the field. I've been covering this league for over a decade, and I can tell you that when a team shoots below 40% in the first quarter, they're typically playing catch-up for the rest of the game.

The second quarter showcased why Justin Brownlee remains one of the most valuable imports in recent PBA memory. His ability to create shots when nothing seems available continues to amaze me. He scored 12 points in the quarter alone, including two three-pointers that brought the crowd to its feet. However, what impressed me more was his defensive presence - he recorded two blocks and altered at least three other shots that I counted. San Miguel's June Mar Fajardo, though, demonstrated why he's a six-time MVP. His footwork in the post is simply textbook material, and he managed to draw two crucial fouls on Ginebra's big men that sent them to the bench with early foul trouble.

Halftime arrived with San Miguel maintaining a slim 52-48 lead, but anyone watching could sense the game hanging in the balance. The third quarter became what I like to call the "Scottie Thompson show." His energy completely shifted the game's momentum. Thompson's stat line doesn't fully capture his impact - yes, he scored 8 points in the quarter, but his defensive intensity and rebounding created numerous second-chance opportunities. There was one particular sequence where he grabbed an offensive rebound over three San Miguel players, kicked it out to an open shooter, then crashed the boards again to secure another miss before finally drawing a foul. That kind of effort is contagious, and you could see it spreading through the entire Ginebra roster.

As we entered the fourth quarter tied at 78-all, I found myself thinking about how this mirrored the Kobe Shinwa and Chery Tiggo situation. Both pairs of teams essentially starting from scratch, with everything to play for in these crucial remaining games. The final period featured seven lead changes, which tells you everything about how competitive this game was. With 2:34 remaining, San Miguel's CJ Perez hit a contested three-pointer that put them up by four, but Ginebra responded immediately with a quick transition basket from LA Tenorio. The veteran point guard, whom many had written off due to his age, proved tonight that experience matters in high-pressure situations.

The game's defining moment came with 18.7 seconds left and San Miguel clinging to a one-point lead. Ginebra ran a beautifully executed play that resulted in an open look from beyond the arc, but the shot rimmed out. San Miguel secured the rebound and converted their free throws to seal the 98-95 victory. Looking at the final statistics, San Miguel shot 46% from the field compared to Ginebra's 42%, but what really stood out to me was the rebounding disparity - San Miguel outrebounded Ginebra 48-39, including 15 offensive boards that led to 18 second-chance points.

From my perspective, this series now mirrors the Kobe Shinwa-Chery Tiggo dynamic perfectly. Both teams stand at 2-2, with everything coming down to who wants it more in the next game. What I appreciate about both these matchups is how they demonstrate that in professional sports, records and past performances mean very little when the pressure mounts. Having covered numerous playoff series throughout my career, I can confidently say that the team that makes better in-game adjustments typically prevails, and tonight, San Miguel's coaching staff deserves credit for their fourth-quarter decisions. The final game promises to be an absolute thriller, and if it's anything like what we witnessed tonight, basketball fans are in for a treat that could very well come down to the last possession.