As I sat courtside watching Game 3 of the PBA Finals unfold, I couldn't help but feel we were witnessing something special - a genuine turning point in this championship series. The energy in the arena was electric, but what really caught my attention was how the game's outcome hinged on something so fundamental yet so often overlooked: free throw shooting. Having covered basketball for over a decade, I've seen countless games where teams dominate in flashy areas like three-point shooting or fast breaks, only to crumble at the charity stripe.

The Portmasters' performance from the free throw line was nothing short of spectacular - 19 of 22 attempts for an impressive 86.4 percent conversion rate. Now, let me put that into perspective for you. In my years analyzing basketball statistics, I've rarely seen such efficiency in high-pressure situations. What makes this even more remarkable is that they maintained this accuracy while the Giant Lanterns were struggling terribly from the same position, sinking only 21 of 40 attempts for a mediocre 52.5 percent. That's nearly a 34 percent difference in free throw efficiency between the two teams! I've always believed that free throws are the great equalizer in basketball - they don't require extraordinary athleticism, just focus and discipline.

What really stood out to me was Enzo Joson's contribution. The young guard delivered 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists in what I consider his most mature performance this postseason. His defensive intensity, particularly those three steals, created crucial transition opportunities that the Portmasters capitalized on. I've been watching Joson develop over the past two seasons, and what impressed me most wasn't just his stat line but his decision-making under pressure. He knew when to push the tempo and when to slow things down, displaying a basketball IQ that belies his experience level.

The free throw disparity tells a deeper story about team preparation and mental toughness. While the Portmasters approached each free throw with deliberate precision, the Giant Lanterns seemed rushed and uncomfortable. I noticed their players often glancing at the scoreboard between shots, a clear sign of mounting pressure. In championship basketball, these mental aspects often prove decisive. The Portmasters' 86.4 percent from the line isn't just a number - it's a testament to their training regimen and psychological readiness for big moments.

Looking at the broader series implications, this game revealed a critical weakness in the Giant Lanterns' armor that I suspect will be exploited in subsequent matches. Their 52.5 percent free throw performance isn't just poor - it's potentially series-altering. Having analyzed championship teams throughout PBA history, I can tell you that teams shooting below 60 percent from the line in finals rarely hoist the trophy. The mental toll of missing free throws compounds throughout a series, affecting other aspects of their game.

From my perspective, what we witnessed in Game 3 was more than just a single victory - it was a demonstration of how fundamentals win championships. The Portmasters showed that while highlight-reel plays capture attention, consistent execution of basics wins games. Their disciplined approach to free throws, combined with Joson's emerging leadership, creates a championship formula that's hard to counter. As this series progresses, I believe we'll look back at this game as the moment when the championship trajectory truly shifted. The numbers don't lie, and right now they're telling a compelling story about which team understands what it takes to win when it matters most.