I still remember watching that pivotal Game 3 of the PBA Finals with bated breath, the tension practically radiating through my television screen. Having followed professional basketball for over a decade, I've learned that championship series often hinge on these crucial middle games, and this matchup between the Portmasters and Giant Lanterns proved no exception. What unfolded was a masterclass in fundamental basketball, where one team's precision starkly contrasted with the other's struggles in the most basic aspects of the game.

From my perspective as someone who's analyzed countless basketball games, free throws often reveal more about a team's championship mentality than any highlight dunk. The Portmasters demonstrated exactly why I've always maintained this belief. Their remarkable 86.4 percent conversion rate from the charity stripe - making 19 of their 22 attempts - wasn't just impressive, it was downright clinical. I've rarely seen such composure under pressure in a finals environment. Each swish of the net seemed to deflate the Giant Lanterns just a little more, creating this psychological advantage that's so crucial in high-stakes games. Meanwhile, the Giant Lanterns' performance from the line was frankly difficult to watch - they converted only 21 of their 40 attempts for a disappointing 52.5 percent. In a game where every possession mattered, leaving 19 potential points at the free throw line essentially handed the victory to their opponents. I've always argued that free throws win championships, and this game served as Exhibit A for that argument.

The Portmasters didn't just rely on free throws though - they had players stepping up in multiple facets of the game. Enzo Joson's performance particularly caught my eye with his stat line of 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists. Now, those numbers might not jump off the page to casual fans, but anyone who understands basketball can appreciate how impactful he was beyond scoring. Those three steals created crucial transition opportunities, and his two assists came at moments when the offense had stagnated. I've always been a sucker for players who contribute across multiple categories, and Joson embodied exactly why I value such versatility. His performance reminded me of those glue guys championship teams always seem to have - the ones who don't necessarily lead in scoring but make winning plays throughout the game.

As the final buzzer sounded, I found myself reflecting on how this game perfectly illustrated why basketball remains such a beautifully complex sport. The Portmasters' victory wasn't about spectacular individual performances or highlight-reel plays - it was about executing fundamentals with relentless precision. Their 86.4 percent free throw shooting versus the Giant Lanterns' 52.5 percent essentially decided the contest, proving yet again that championships are often won at the free throw line. Combined with contributions from players like Joson who excelled in their roles, the Portmasters demonstrated the kind of complete team performance that typically propels teams to championships. Having witnessed numerous finals series throughout the years, I'd say this Game 3 victory gives the Portmasters not just a series lead, but tremendous momentum and psychological edge heading into the remainder of what's shaping up to be a classic championship battle.