Who Was Crowned PBA Player of the Week and Why They Deserved It

The moment I saw Rain or Shine dismantle TNT in that Game 3 showdown, I knew we were witnessing something special. Let me be honest—I’ve followed the PBA long enough to recognize when a performance isn’t just good; it’s statement-making. That 107-86 victory wasn’t merely a bounce-back; it felt like a declaration. And at the heart of it all was the player who, in my view, unquestionably earned the PBA Player of the Week honors.

Now, I’ll admit, when the semifinals began, my attention was divided. TNT, despite being visibly depleted, had fight in them. But what Rain or Shine did on Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum was a masterclass in seizing momentum. They didn’t just win—they dominated, outscoring TNT by a staggering 21 points. That kind of margin in a high-stakes semifinal doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because someone steps up, takes control, and elevates everyone around them. For me, that player was Beau Belga. Yes, you read that right. While flashy scorers often grab headlines, Belga’s impact was everywhere. He finished with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists—numbers that only tell part of the story. What stood out to me was his efficiency. He shot 7 of 11 from the field, including two critical three-pointers that stretched TNT’s defense to its breaking point. But beyond the stats, it was his presence in the paint and his decision-making that sealed the game. I’ve always believed that big men who can facilitate are worth their weight in gold, and Belga proved it.

Let’s talk about that third quarter, because that’s where the game—and Belga’s case for Player of the Week—was cemented. Rain or Shine entered the half with a comfortable lead, but TNT wasn’t going away quietly. Then came a sequence that, in my opinion, typified Belga’s value: a defensive stop followed by an outlet pass that led to an and-one opportunity. Moments like these shift the energy entirely. Belga didn’t just contribute; he dictated the flow. And let’s not forget the context—this was Rain or Shine’s first win in the semifinals. The pressure was immense. One loss away from falling into a 0-3 hole, and they responded with a 107-point outburst. That doesn’t happen without leadership, and Belga provided it in spades.

I know some might argue that other players put up bigger numbers or more highlight-reel plays. But here’s where I’ll push back: impact isn’t always measured in points alone. Take, for example, the way Rain or Shine shared the ball—26 team assists, a testament to unselfish play. Belga was at the center of that, making the extra pass and creating openings for his teammates. When your big man is orchestrating the offense like a guard, you’ve got something special. And defensively, his ability to switch onto smaller players without getting burned was crucial. TNT shot just 38% from the field, and while that’s a team effort, Belga’s versatility made it possible.

What I appreciate most about performances like this is how they reveal the soul of a team. Rain or Shine could have folded after dropping the first two games. Instead, they played with a cohesion that felt almost poetic. Belga, in particular, embodied that resilience. He’s been in the league for over a decade, and his experience shone through when it mattered most. In my years covering the PBA, I’ve seen plenty of players have big games, but the ones who stand out are those who elevate their team in pivotal moments. That’s exactly what Belga did.

Of course, TNT’s roster issues played a role. Missing key players undoubtedly hurt their depth and rhythm. But let’s give credit where it’s due—Rain or Shine exploited those weaknesses mercilessly. They pushed the pace, dominated the boards with 52 total rebounds, and capitalized on turnovers. Belga’s leadership in executing that game plan was flawless. It’s one thing to have a strategy; it’s another to have the personnel to make it work. Rain or Shine had both, and Belga was the linchpin.

As the final buzzer sounded and the scoreboard read 107-86, I found myself reflecting on what separates good players from great ones. It’s not just talent; it’s timing. Belga picked the perfect moment to remind everyone why he’s been a cornerstone of this franchise. His performance wasn’t just statistically impressive—it was emotionally resonant. You could feel the confidence radiating from him, and it spread to his teammates. That’s the kind of intangible that stats sheets can’t capture but fans and analysts never forget.

So, when the PBA Player of the Week honors were announced, I wasn’t surprised to see Belga’s name. He didn’t just deserve it; he earned it with a performance that was as smart as it was dominant. In a league filled with explosive scorers and flashy playmakers, it’s refreshing to see a player like Belga get the recognition he’s due. This win didn’t just keep Rain or Shine’s semifinal hopes alive; it showcased the beauty of team basketball, led by a veteran who knows how to win. And if you ask me, that’s what the PBA is all about.