TNT vs San Miguel Game 2 Highlights and Key Takeaways from PBA Finals

Watching that Game 2 showdown between TNT and San Miguel felt like witnessing a heavyweight title fight where both boxers refused to back down. I’ve followed the PBA for years, and this series is shaping up to be one of the most memorable finals in recent history. The energy in the arena was electric—you could feel the tension even through the screen. TNT came out swinging, determined to bounce back after their Game 1 loss, and boy, did they deliver. The final score, 115-103, tells only part of the story. What stood out to me was how TNT’s coaching staff, led by the newly appointed Titan Ultra head coach Johnedel Cardel, made critical adjustments that turned the tide. It’s worth noting that this was Cardel’s first win since taking over, and what a statement victory it was. His strategic moves, especially in the second half, showcased why he’s quickly earning respect in the league.

I remember thinking early in the game that San Miguel seemed unstoppable. They built a solid lead in the first quarter, with June Mar Fajardo dominating the paint like only he can. At one point, San Miguel was up by 9 points, and it felt like they might run away with it. But TNT didn’t panic. Instead, they tightened their defense and started pushing the tempo. One moment that really stood out to me was when RR Pogoy drained back-to-back three-pointers in the third quarter, shifting the momentum entirely. Pogoy finished with 28 points, and his performance was nothing short of spectacular. On the other side, Fajardo put up 24 points and 12 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to carry San Miguel over the line. It’s fascinating how TNT managed to neutralize his impact in the closing minutes.

What impressed me most was TNT’s bench contribution. Players like Jayson Castro and Troy Rosario stepped up when it mattered, combining for 35 points off the bench. Castro, in particular, showed why he’s still one of the best point guards in the league, dishing out 8 assists and controlling the flow of the game. I’ve always believed that depth is what separates good teams from great ones, and TNT proved that in this game. San Miguel, on the other hand, seemed to rely too heavily on their starters. CJ Perez had a decent outing with 20 points, but the lack of support from the second unit was glaring. It’s a problem they’ll need to address before Game 3.

As a fan, I couldn’t help but admire Johnedel Cardel’s calm demeanor throughout the game. Coaching in the PBA finals is no easy task, especially when you’re new to the role. But Cardel’s decisions, like switching to a zone defense in the second half, disrupted San Miguel’s rhythm and forced them into tough shots. It reminded me of his playing days—he was always a smart, calculated player, and now he’s bringing that same intelligence to his coaching. This win isn’t just about tying the series; it’s a validation of his leadership. I’ve seen coaches crumble under pressure, but Cardel handled it like a seasoned veteran.

Another key takeaway for me was the battle beyond the arc. TNT shot an impressive 42% from three-point range, compared to San Miguel’s 32%. That’s a huge difference in a game where every possession counts. Mikey Williams, who’s been inconsistent at times this season, exploded for 30 points, including 5 three-pointers. When he’s on fire like that, TNT is almost impossible to stop. San Miguel will need to find a way to close out on shooters better in the next game, or this could become a recurring issue.

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for TNT. They had 15 turnovers, which is something they’ll want to clean up. San Miguel capitalized on those mistakes, scoring 18 points off turnovers. But TNT’s ability to respond quickly—like when they went on a 10-0 run in the fourth quarter—showed their mental toughness. I’ve seen teams fold under less pressure, but this TNT squad seems built for moments like these. The series is now tied 1-1, and if Game 2 is any indication, we’re in for a thrilling finish.

Personally, I think TNT has the edge going forward. Their depth, combined with Cardel’s fresh coaching perspective, gives them a slight advantage. But San Miguel is a proud team with championship pedigree, and I expect them to come out fighting in Game 3. One thing’s for sure: this series is far from over, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds. If you’re a basketball fan, you won’t want to miss a single minute of this action-packed finals.