I still remember the electricity in the air when the Gensan Warriors stepped onto the court for that opening game. As someone who’s followed the PBA for over a decade, I’ve seen my share of blowouts, but what unfolded in the 2021 Philippine Cup Finals opener was something else entirely. The Warriors didn’t just beat the Paranaque Patriots—they dismantled them, closing the first game with a staggering 106-59 victory. That 47-point margin wasn’t just a number; it set the tone for what would become one of the most dominant playoff runs in recent memory. I recall thinking, even then, that this series might not go the distance—and as we now know, it didn’t.
From the opening tip-off, the Warriors played with a kind of ferocity you don’t often see in a finals series. They weren’t just executing plays; they were imposing their will. I’ve always believed that defense wins championships, and the Warriors proved it in that first game, holding the Patriots to just 59 points—one of the lowest totals I’ve seen in a finals game in years. On the offensive end, their ball movement was crisp, their shooting was lights-out, and their transition game was nearly flawless. It’s rare to see a team so perfectly synchronized at this stage, but the Warriors made it look effortless. I remember watching their point guard, Santos, slice through the Patriots’ defense like it wasn’t even there. He finished with 24 points and 9 assists, setting the pace for his team in a way that left the Patriots scrambling for answers.
What stood out to me, beyond the sheer dominance, was the Warriors’ mental toughness. They never took their foot off the gas, even when the lead ballooned to 30, then 40 points. In a finals setting, it’s easy to get complacent, but the Warriors played with the urgency of a team fighting for its life. That mindset, I think, was the real difference-maker. The Patriots, on the other hand, seemed shell-shocked. Their star player, Reyes, was held to just 12 points—a far cry from his regular-season average of around 22 points per game. I’ve seen Reyes carry his team before, but against the Warriors’ swarming defense, he looked out of sorts, and his frustration was palpable.
As the series progressed, the Warriors continued to build on that opening statement. They took Game 2 by a comfortable 98-80 margin, and though the Patriots managed to claw back in Game 3 with a 91-88 win, it felt like a temporary reprieve. In my view, that was the Patriots’ last stand—a gutsy effort, but one that exposed their limitations. The Warriors adjusted, tightened their defense, and closed out the series in five games. Looking back, I’d say the turning point was actually in Game 4, when the Warriors’ bench outscored the Patriots’ reserves 42-18. That depth was something I’d highlighted earlier in the season, and it proved decisive when it mattered most.
Of course, no finals series is without its controversies. There was that disputed call in Game 3 that could have gone either way, and I’ll admit, even I thought the referees missed a crucial travel in the closing minutes. But in the end, the better team won, and they did it convincingly. The Warriors’ average margin of victory in the series was something like 18 points—a testament to their consistency and firepower. For the Patriots, it was a harsh lesson in what it takes to compete at the highest level. They’ll need to retool in the offseason, maybe add a reliable big man or two, if they hope to challenge again next year.
In reflecting on the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Finals, what strikes me most is how the Warriors redefined team basketball. They moved the ball, trusted each other, and never relied too heavily on one player. It’s a blueprint I hope other teams in the league take note of. As for the Patriots, they’ve got the pieces to bounce back, but they’ll need to find a way to match the Warriors’ intensity from the jump. Personally, I can’t wait to see how both teams evolve—because if there’s one thing the PBA teaches us, it’s that no lead, no matter how big, is safe forever. But for now, the Warriors have earned their place in the history books, and that opening 106-59 thrashing will be remembered as the moment they announced their arrival as a dynasty in the making.
