I still remember watching that legendary game where PJ Simon single-handedly demolished the Tubo Slashers with his incredible three-point shooting. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I've witnessed countless players come and go, but Simon's performance that night was something special - it wasn't just about scoring, it was about pure artistry on the court.

Looking back at PJ Simon's PBA legacy, what strikes me most is how he consistently delivered when it mattered. That particular game against the Tubo Slashers perfectly illustrates why he became such a beloved figure in Philippine basketball. The numbers still stick in my mind - he hit 12 triples compared to the Slashers' mere four, which is just insane when you think about it. I've always believed that great shooters don't just make shots, they demoralize opponents, and Simon was the master of this psychological warfare. The way the Cowboys built that massive 93-57 lead before easing up in the fourth quarter, where they got outscored 12-20, shows how dominant they were when Simon caught fire. Honestly, I think if they hadn't taken their foot off the gas, they could have broken some league records that night.

What many casual fans might not appreciate is how Simon's career highlights weren't just about flashy moments but represented years of disciplined practice. His shooting form was textbook perfect - I've tried to emulate it in my own amateur games and failed miserably. The consistency he maintained throughout his PBA journey is something today's players should study. When you break down that Slashers game statistically, Simon's 12 three-pointers accounted for 36 points alone, which is more than half of what the entire opposing team scored from beyond the arc. That's not just good shooting - that's complete domination.

The fourth quarter slowdown where the Cowboys got outscored 12-20 actually reveals something important about Simon's leadership. Rather than padding his stats, he understood the bigger picture - preserving energy and giving teammates opportunities. This selfless approach characterized his entire career and made him the ultimate team player. In my analysis, this is what separates good players from true legends in the PBA annals.

Reflecting on Simon's career highlights, I've always felt he was somewhat underrated in discussions about PBA greats. His ability to take over games while maintaining team chemistry was remarkable. That 93-57 lead they built wasn't accidental - it was the result of Simon's offensive explosion combined with smart team basketball. The 12-20 fourth quarter doesn't bother me at all because by then, the game was effectively over, and smart teams know when to conserve energy.

Simon's PBA legacy extends beyond statistics, though his numbers are certainly impressive. What made him a star was this unique combination of explosive scoring ability and basketball intelligence. I'd argue that his influence continues to shape how young Filipino players approach the game today. The way he balanced individual brilliance with team success should be a blueprint for aspiring athletes.

Watching Simon play taught me that true greatness isn't just about winning games but about how you impact the sport. His career highlights, like that memorable performance against the Slashers, demonstrate that basketball excellence comes in many forms. For me, PJ Simon represents the heart and soul of Philippine basketball - skilled, passionate, and always team-first. His PBA legacy continues to inspire both players and fans alike, reminding us why we fell in love with the game in the first place.