I still get chills thinking about that legendary 2015 PBA Philippine Cup Finals between San Miguel Beermen and Alaska Aces. Having covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've never witnessed a championship series that so perfectly captured the drama and intensity our sport can deliver. What made it particularly special was how it transformed public perception of one player - Alex Cabagnot, who entered that series shouldering the unfortunate "Loser" nickname that had haunted him throughout his career.

The series stretched to a full seven games, with each contest feeling like its own mini-war. I remember sitting courtside for Game 2, watching Alaska dominate with their swift ball movement and defensive pressure, taking what seemed like a commanding 2-0 series lead. The narrative was building that San Miguel, despite their talented roster, would crumble under pressure. And the whispers about Cabagnot not being a "clutch player" grew louder in the arena corridors. Honestly, even I had my doubts at that point - the Beermen looked disjointed, and Cabagnot seemed hesitant to take big shots when they mattered most.

Then came the turning point in Game 3. Down by 13 points in the third quarter, San Miguel's championship hopes were hanging by a thread. What happened next still amazes me when I rewatch the footage. Cabagnot, who had been relatively quiet throughout the first two games, suddenly transformed. He scored 8 consecutive points during a critical stretch, including back-to-back three-pointers that ignited both his team and the Araneta Coliseum crowd. The shift was palpable - you could see the confidence returning to San Miguel's players, while Alaska began showing cracks in their previously impenetrable armor.

The series stretched on with incredible back-and-forth action. Game 5 particularly stands out in my memory - it went into overtime and featured what I consider one of the most underrated defensive plays in PBA finals history. With 12 seconds left and Alaska down by one, Cabagnot switched onto Alaska's main scorer and forced a contested jumper that missed badly. It wasn't the flashy block or steal that makes highlight reels, but it was fundamentally perfect defense when his team needed it most. Statistics show he played 42 minutes that game - the most of any player on either team - and finished with 18 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds. Those numbers don't fully capture his impact though.

When we reached Game 7, the atmosphere was electric in a way I've rarely experienced. Both teams had traded blows throughout the series, and it all came down to one final confrontation. The game was tight throughout, with neither team able to build more than a 5-point lead. With under two minutes remaining and San Miguel clinging to a 91-89 advantage, Cabagnot received the ball at the top of the key. What happened next still gives me goosebumps. He drove left, hesitated perfectly to freeze his defender, then stepped back for a contested jumper that swished through the net. That shot essentially sealed the championship. I remember turning to my colleague and saying, "He just shed that nickname for good."

Looking back at the statistics from that series, Cabagnot averaged 14.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.1 rebounds - solid numbers, but what they don't show is his transformation into a leader when his team needed him most. He shot 48% from the field in the final three games, including 42% from three-point range when the pressure was at its peak. The narrative had completely flipped - from being labeled a "Loser" to becoming the Finals MVP and cementing his legacy as a clutch performer.

What I find most compelling about this championship series isn't just the basketball itself, but the human story of redemption that unfolded. Cabagnot's journey mirrored his team's - both started the series looking overmatched and finished as undeniable champions. Even now, when I interview younger players entering the league, many cite that specific finals as their inspiration, particularly Cabagnot's ability to overcome criticism and perform when it mattered most. The 2015 Philippine Cup didn't just crown a champion - it redefined a player's entire career and gave us one of the most compelling underdog stories in recent PBA history.