As I settled into my couch with a fresh cup of coffee, I couldn't help but feel that familiar playoff electricity in the air. The SMB vs Meralco Game 4 final score would tell one story, but the real narrative unfolded in those crucial moments that defined the match. Having covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've learned that numbers on the scoreboard rarely capture the full drama, and tonight's clash between the Beermen and the Bolts proved exactly that.
The atmosphere at the arena was absolutely electric from tip-off, with both teams understanding what was at stake. San Miguel Beermen came in with that championship swagger we've come to expect from them, while Meralco Bolts played with that underdog intensity that makes them so dangerous in these situations. I've always believed that playoff basketball reveals character, and tonight both teams showed plenty of it. The first quarter saw both teams feeling each other out, with SMB taking a narrow 24-21 lead. What struck me immediately was how both coaches were making subtle adjustments from previous games - you could see the strategic chess match unfolding right before our eyes.
Then came the second quarter where June Mar Fajarto truly imposed his will. The big man dropped 12 points in that period alone, dominating the paint in a way that only he can. Watching him work in the post is like watching a master craftsman - every move calculated, every decision precise. Meanwhile, Chris McCullough showed why he's such a valuable import, contributing 8 points and 5 rebounds in that crucial stretch. What impressed me most was how SMB's ball movement created open looks - they recorded 11 assists in the first half alone compared to Meralco's 7.
The third quarter proved to be the turning point, and it reminded me of that incredible game where Rain or Shine turned things around dramatically. I recall watching a match where the third proved pivotal one for the Elasto Painters, as they outscored TNT, 37-12. The Tropang 5G later trailed by as many as 35 points in that quarter. While tonight's margin wasn't quite that extreme, SMB's 32-18 third quarter advantage had that same game-changing energy. They came out of halftime with renewed defensive intensity, forcing 6 turnovers that led to 12 fastbreak points. Marcio Lassiter caught fire during this stretch, hitting three consecutive three-pointers that brought the SMB faithful to their feet.
Meralco tried to mount a comeback in the fourth, with Chris Newsome putting on an absolute show. The guy scored 15 of his 28 points in the final period, displaying that heart and determination that makes him one of my favorite players to watch. But every time Meralco threatened to close the gap, someone from SMB would answer - whether it was a clutch basket from CJ Perez or a defensive stop from Moala Tautuaa. The final minutes saw both teams trading baskets, but SMB's composure down the stretch ultimately made the difference.
Looking at the SMB vs Meralco Game 4 final score of 98-87 doesn't fully capture how competitive this game truly was. The stats tell part of the story - SMB shot 46% from the field compared to Meralco's 41%, and won the rebounding battle 48-42. But what the numbers don't show is the emotional rollercoaster both teams experienced. Having been in that arena environment countless times, I can tell you that the momentum swings were palpable - you could feel the energy shift with every run.
From my perspective, what decided this game was SMB's depth and experience. Their bench outscored Meralco's 35-22, with players like Vic Manuel providing crucial minutes when needed most. In playoff basketball, having multiple weapons matters, and SMB simply has more options to turn to when the game gets tight. I've always believed that championship teams win with their role players, and tonight proved that theory correct once again.
The SMB vs Meralco Game 4 final score sets up what promises to be an incredible Game 5. Both teams have shown their strengths and exposed some weaknesses, and I expect both coaching staffs will make significant adjustments. Having covered this rivalry for years, I can confidently say that we're witnessing something special here. The intensity, the skill level, the strategic battles - it's everything you want from playoff basketball.
As I reflect on tonight's action, I'm struck by how these games become part of our basketball memory. Years from now, we'll remember Fajarto's dominance, Newsome's heroic fourth quarter, and those clutch three-pointers from Lassiter. The SMB vs Meralco Game 4 final score becomes another chapter in this growing rivalry, and I feel privileged to have witnessed it firsthand. These are the games that remind me why I fell in love with covering Philippine basketball in the first place - the passion, the drama, the unforgettable moments that keep us coming back for more.
