I still remember the electric atmosphere during that 2018 PBA All Filipino Cup championship like it was yesterday. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed countless championship moments, but there was something particularly special about that Rain or Shine versus TNT showdown. The way the Elasto Painters came out swinging in that decisive game still gives me chills when I rewatch the highlights.
Let me paint you the picture of that incredible must-win performance. Rain or Shine exploded from the opening tip, putting up a staggering 33 points while holding the Tropang 5G to just 15 in the first quarter alone. That 18-point lead after just ten minutes of play wasn't just impressive—it was downright dominant. I recall thinking at the time that we were witnessing something historic unfolding before our eyes. The energy in the arena was palpable, with Rain or Shine fans sensing they were about to witness their team lift the championship trophy.
What really stood out to me was how Rain or Shine maintained their intensity throughout the game. Many teams would have eased up after such a strong start, but the Elasto Painters kept their foot on the gas. The third quarter performance was equally remarkable—they outscored TNT 33-20 during those crucial twelve minutes. I've always believed that championship teams separate themselves in the third quarter, and Rain or Shine proved that theory perfectly. Their ability to sustain that level of play when other teams might have gotten complacent showed their championship mentality.
The moment that truly encapsulated their dominance came when Michael Malonzo scored that basket to open the fourth quarter, giving Rain or Shine an 86-57 advantage—their largest lead of the entire contest. That 29-point margin against a quality opponent like TNT was absolutely mind-blowing. I remember turning to my colleague and saying, "This isn't just a win—this is a statement." The Tropang 5G, despite their talented roster, simply had no answer for Rain or Shine's relentless attack and disciplined defense.
Looking back at the statistics, Rain or Shine's 33-15 first quarter and 33-20 third quarter meant they outscored TNT by 66-35 in those two quarters combined. That's not just winning—that's complete domination. The way they controlled the tempo and executed their game plan was a masterclass in championship basketball. Personally, I've always admired teams that can maintain their aggressive style regardless of the score, and Rain or Shine exemplified that perfectly throughout the series.
What many casual fans might not realize is how difficult it is to maintain such a high level of performance in a championship setting. The pressure, the expectations, the fatigue—all these factors make consistent dominance challenging. Yet Rain or Shine made it look effortless. Their ball movement was crisp, their defensive rotations were sharp, and they played with a unity that's rare even among professional teams. I've studied countless PBA championships, and this particular performance ranks among the most complete team efforts I've ever witnessed.
The beauty of that championship run was how it showcased the depth of Rain or Shine's roster. While star players certainly contributed, it was their collective effort that truly stood out. Every player who stepped on the court understood their role and executed it to perfection. This wasn't about individual brilliance—it was about team basketball at its finest. In my opinion, that's what makes this championship so memorable years later.
Reflecting on that 2018 championship now, I'm struck by how it represents the pinnacle of team sports achievement. Rain or Shine didn't just win—they dominated in a way that left no doubt about their superiority during that series. The 33-15 first quarter set the tone, the 33-20 third quarter broke TNT's spirit, and that Michael Malonzo basket to start the fourth quarter was the exclamation point on a legendary performance. For basketball purists like myself, games like these remind us why we fell in love with the sport in the first place.
I often find myself revisiting highlights from that championship when I need to demonstrate what perfect team execution looks like. The way Rain or Shine controlled every aspect of the game, from their offensive sets to their defensive schemes, was nothing short of magnificent. Even now, years later, that performance remains the gold standard for how to close out a championship series. It wasn't just about winning the title—it was about how they won it that made all the difference.