A Look Back at the Top 5 PBA 2015 Season Highlights and Key Moments

I still remember the 2015 PBA season like it was yesterday—the electric atmosphere in the arenas, the nail-biting finishes, and those unforgettable moments that had us all on the edge of our seats. As someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I can confidently say that 2015 was one of those special years where everything just clicked. The league saw a perfect blend of emerging talent, veteran brilliance, and dramatic turnarounds that kept fans like me hooked from opening tip-off to the final buzzer. In this piece, I want to take you back through my top five highlights and key moments from that incredible season, sharing not just what happened, but why these events mattered—and still resonate today.

Let’s start with one of those clutch plays that just sticks with you. I was watching that Meralco Bolts game, and honestly, they were struggling to find their rhythm early on. They’d been trailing for what felt like ages, and you could sense the frustration building among the players and fans alike. Then came Baser Newsome’s three-pointer—a shot that, in my opinion, was pure magic. With the score tight and tension high, Newsome handed Meralco the lead for the first time since 2-0 early in the game with a three-point shot that made it a 67-66 game. It wasn’t just about the points; it was the timing and the sheer audacity of it. As a former part-time coach, I’ve always admired players who step up when it counts, and Newsome’s move was a textbook example. That shot didn’t just shift the momentum—it ignited Meralco’s confidence and set the tone for their mid-season resurgence. I’ve rewatched that clip dozens of times, and each time, I’m struck by how a single play can encapsulate an entire team’s fighting spirit. It’s moments like these that make the PBA so unpredictable and thrilling.

Beyond that game, the 2015 season was packed with standout performances that defined careers and reshaped team dynamics. Take June Mar Fajardo, for instance—his dominance in the paint was nothing short of legendary. I recall one game where he racked up 28 points and 15 rebounds, stats that might sound inflated but honestly don’t do justice to his impact. From my perspective, Fajardo wasn’t just a big man; he was the anchor that held San Miguel Beer together, and his MVP-caliber season felt like a masterclass in consistency. Then there was the rise of Terrence Romeo, whose flashy handles and scoring bursts brought a new energy to the league. I’ll admit, I’ve always had a soft spot for guards who play with flair, and Romeo’s 34-point outburst in one crucial match had me jumping off my couch. But it wasn’t all about individual brilliance—team strategies evolved too. Coaches like Tim Cone and Yeng Guiao implemented systems that blended old-school discipline with modern pace, leading to games where the average scoring hovered around 95-100 points, a slight uptick from previous years that made for faster, more engaging basketball.

Of course, no look back at 2015 would be complete without mentioning the playoffs, which delivered drama in spades. The Commissioner’s Cup final, in particular, stands out in my memory as a rollercoaster of emotions. Alaska and Talk ’N Text went head-to-head in a series that went the distance, with Game 7 decided by a mere 3-point margin. I remember thinking how brutal it was for the losing side, but as a fan, you live for those tight finishes. What made it even more compelling, in my view, was the strategic chess match between the coaches—adjustments in defensive schemes and late-game substitutions that showed just how cerebral the PBA can be. And let’s not forget the emergence of underdog stories, like Barangay Ginebra’s late-season surge. As someone who’s always rooted for the teams that overcome odds, seeing them claw their way back from a 5-8 start to make a deep run was inspiring. It reinforced my belief that in basketball, as in life, resilience often trumps raw talent.

Reflecting on all this, the 2015 PBA season wasn’t just a collection of games; it was a narrative of growth and passion that left a lasting imprint on the sport. Those key moments, from Newsome’s clutch three to Fajardo’s MVP run, didn’t just entertain—they shaped the league’s direction and fan culture. Personally, I think seasons like 2015 are why we stay invested in sports; they remind us that beyond the stats and strategies, it’s the human stories of triumph and heartbreak that truly captivate. As we look ahead, I hope today’s players and fans draw inspiration from that year, because in my book, it set a benchmark for what makes Philippine basketball great.