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I still remember the tension in the air that night at the Montalban venue - you could practically taste the anticipation. As someone who's followed PBA games for over a decade, I've seen my fair share of intense rivalries, but Ginebra versus San Miguel always brings something special to the table. The moment I heard about Smith's situation, I knew we were in for an unforgettable game. Just imagine flying in as one of the most sought-after imports, only to have team officials drop disappointing news right after you arrive at the venue. That kind of emotional rollercoaster would shake any player, but what impressed me most was how Smith channeled that disappointment into pure determination on the court.

The game started with both teams testing the waters, but you could immediately sense this wasn't going to be your typical blowout. San Miguel came out strong in the first quarter, putting up 28 points against Ginebra's 22. I've always believed that the first quarter tells you everything about a team's preparation, and San Miguel's coordination was simply impeccable - their ball movement created openings that seemed impossible at first glance. But here's where Smith's mental toughness really shone through. Despite whatever personal disappointment she was carrying, she managed to contribute 12 points in that first quarter alone, showing exactly why teams were fighting to have her on their roster.

By halftime, the score stood at 52-48 in San Miguel's favor, but anyone watching could tell Ginebra was building momentum. What fascinated me was how both teams adjusted their strategies. San Miguel focused on their three-point shooting, hitting 8 of 15 attempts in the first half, while Ginebra dominated the paint with 28 points from close range. I've always preferred teams that can adapt mid-game, and Ginebra's coach certainly delivered some brilliant tactical shifts during those halftime adjustments. The third quarter became an absolute thriller - back and forth action that had the entire stadium on their feet. Smith, playing through what must have been tremendous pressure, managed to secure three crucial steals that completely shifted the game's momentum.

The final quarter was where legends are made. With just two minutes remaining and the score tied at 98-98, Smith executed what I consider the play of the game - a behind-the-back pass that led to an open three-pointer, giving Ginebra their first lead since the opening minutes. The energy in that stadium was electric, the kind of atmosphere that reminds you why we love basketball. San Miguel fought back valiantly, but Ginebra's defense held strong in those final seconds. When the buzzer sounded with a final score of 105-103, the roar from Ginebra fans was absolutely deafening. Looking back, what struck me most was how Smith transformed personal disappointment into team triumph - that's the mark of a true professional. This game will definitely be remembered as one of the season's classics, and personally, I think it showcases why the PBA remains one of the most exciting basketball leagues in the region.