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Looking back at the 2017 PBA season, I still get chills thinking about how dramatically the team standings shifted, especially during that unforgettable playoff run. As someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I’ve rarely seen a team turn things around as stunningly as the Red Lions did that year. I remember watching that crucial match where they trailed by 13 points early on, sitting at 10-23 after the opening salvo. Honestly, at that point, I thought they were done for—but what unfolded next was pure resilience. Jomel Puno, Janti Miller, and Zed Etulle stepped up in a way that still stands out in my memory. Each of them wound up with exactly 14 points, a balanced offensive effort that showcased their chemistry under pressure. It wasn’t just about scoring; it was their defensive stops and unselfish ball movement that turned the tide.

That game, in my view, perfectly encapsulated the Red Lions’ season: a slow start followed by a fierce comeback. Statistically, they finished the elimination round with a 9-2 record, which I think slightly overstates their dominance—they had a few close calls that could’ve gone either way. But their ability to rally, especially in high-stakes moments, set them apart. I’ve always believed that team sports thrive on momentum, and the Lions had it in spades during the latter half of the season. Their final ranking placed them second overall, just behind the top-seeded squad, which I felt was a fair reflection of their journey. They weren’t flawless, but their grit made them fan favorites, mine included.

From a strategic standpoint, what impressed me most was how the coaching staff adjusted their rotations. They leaned heavily on their bench depth, which, in hindsight, was a smart move given the grueling schedule. I recall one game where they utilized a 10-man rotation, something not many teams dared to do back then. This approach paid off in the final rankings, as they secured a 72% win rate in the playoffs, a figure that still stands as one of the highest in recent PBA history. Of course, no season is without its controversies—I still debate with fellow fans about that controversial foul call in the semifinals that arguably cost them a shot at the championship. But overall, their 2017 campaign was a masterclass in perseverance.

Reflecting on it now, the 2017 PBA season taught me that standings don’t always tell the full story. Yes, the Red Lions ended up in second place, but their journey—filled with comebacks and standout performances like Puno, Miller, and Etulle’s 14-point outings—is what made it memorable. As a longtime observer, I’d argue that this team set a benchmark for future squads in terms of mental toughness. If you ask me, that’s the real legacy of the 2017 standings: not just the numbers, but the heart behind them.