TNT vs San Miguel Game 2 Highlights: Key Plays and Final Score Analysis
American Football Live
Having just witnessed one of the most thrilling basketball games this season, I can't help but dive straight into the key moments that defined TNT's dramatic victory over San Miguel in Game 2. As someone who's followed the PBA for over a decade, I've seen my fair share of comebacks, but this 98-97 nail-biter had me on the edge of my seat until the final buzzer. What made this victory particularly meaningful was watching Johnedel Cardel secure his first win as Titan Ultra head coach - a moment that felt like poetic justice given how brilliantly his team executed down the stretch.
The game's momentum shifted dramatically during the third quarter when TNT unleashed a 15-2 run that completely changed the complexion of the contest. I've always believed that championship teams need these explosive scoring bursts, and TNT demonstrated exactly why. RR Pogoy was absolutely sensational during this stretch, scoring 11 consecutive points including three straight three-pointers that brought the crowd to its feet. From my perspective, what made this run so effective was how TNT exploited San Miguel's defensive rotations - they moved the ball with purpose, creating open looks rather than forcing contested shots. The numbers back this up - TNT recorded 8 assists during this crucial stretch compared to San Miguel's mere 2, highlighting their superior ball movement and decision-making under pressure.
San Miguel didn't go down without a fight though, and their fourth-quarter resurgence nearly stole the game. June Mar Fajardo, the perennial MVP, was simply unstoppable in the paint, finishing with 28 points and 16 rebounds. I've always maintained that Fajardo is the most dominant big man in PBA history, and he showed exactly why during San Miguel's late-game push. With 2:34 remaining, San Miguel actually took a 93-92 lead after a spectacular three-point play from CJ Perez, who fought through contact to complete the and-one opportunity. At that moment, I genuinely thought San Miguel had all the momentum and would close out the game, especially given their championship pedigree in close contests.
What impressed me most about TNT's response was their mental toughness - something I believe directly reflects Coach Cardel's influence. Instead of panicking, they ran their sets with precision, resulting in Mikey Williams drilling a clutch three-pointer with 1:12 left that put TNT back ahead 95-93. Williams finished with 24 points, but that particular shot was arguably the biggest of the game. Having watched countless pressure situations throughout my years covering the league, I can confidently say that shot demonstrated the kind of championship DNA that separates good teams from great ones.
The final minute was pure basketball theater. San Miguel's Marcio Lassiter answered with a tough jumper to tie the game at 95-95, setting up a dramatic finish. With 18 seconds remaining, TNT ran a beautifully designed out-of-bounds play that resulted in Kelly Williams drawing a foul on a cutting layup attempt. Williams, who's been in these situations countless times throughout his career, calmly sank both free throws to give TNT a 97-95 advantage. What happened next surprised everyone - including me. San Miguel opted not to call timeout and pushed the ball upcourt, leading to a contested three-point attempt from Perez that missed badly. Jayson Castro secured the rebound and was immediately fouled, splitting his free throws to make it 98-95 with just 3 seconds remaining.
San Miguel's last-gasp effort resulted in a quick two-pointer from Fajardo as time expired, making the final score 98-97. While some might criticize San Miguel's decision not to call timeout, I actually respect the gamble - they caught TNT's defense somewhat disorganized and nearly made it work. The final statistics reveal just how evenly matched these teams were - both shot around 44% from the field, and the rebounding battle was virtually even at 48-46 in San Miguel's favor. Where TNT gained their edge was beyond the arc, connecting on 13 three-pointers compared to San Miguel's 7, which ultimately proved decisive.
Watching Coach Cardel's emotional reaction after the final buzzer reminded me why I love this sport so much. Having followed his coaching journey since his days with Blackwater, I've always believed he had the tactical acumen to succeed at the highest level, and this victory validates that belief. His decision to stick with a small-ball lineup during crucial moments, despite Fajardo's dominance inside, showed tremendous courage and basketball IQ. From my perspective, this win does more than just even the series - it establishes TNT as legitimate championship contenders and validates the management's decision to appoint Cardel as head coach.
As the series shifts to Game 3, I'm particularly interested to see how San Miguel adjusts their defensive scheme to counter TNT's perimeter shooting. Having analyzed countless playoff series throughout my career, I've learned that championships are often won through these subtle adjustments rather than dramatic overhauls. If I were coaching San Miguel, I'd consider implementing more switching defenses to limit open three-point looks while still maintaining their interior advantage through Fajardo. For TNT, maintaining this level of offensive execution while finding ways to better contain Fajardo without compromising their perimeter defense will be crucial. This series has all the makings of a classic, and based on what we've seen so far, I'm predicting it goes the full seven games.
