Walking into the arena that night, I could feel it—the kind of electricity that only comes when something historic is about to unfold. I’ve been covering the PBA for over a decade, and I’ve seen my share of unforgettable moments, but this season’s Philippine Cup semifinals between San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra had a different vibe altogether. It wasn’t just about the game itself; it was the stories unfolding on and off the court. One moment that really stuck with me was seeing Marcio Lassiter light up when former members of San Miguel’s legendary “Death Five” showed up to support the team. You could tell it meant the world to him—like a breath of fresh air, as he later described it. That’s the kind of human element that makes PBA highlights so compelling, and it’s exactly why I’ve put together this list of top YouTube moments you absolutely can’t miss from this season.
Let’s start with that semifinals series. San Miguel and Ginebra have one of the most intense rivalries in Philippine basketball, and this year’s clash was no exception. The stands were packed, the noise was deafening, and the tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. But what really stood out to me was the off-court support. When former Death Five players like Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot showed up, it wasn’t just a casual appearance—it felt like a statement. I remember watching Lassiter’s reaction on camera; his eyes lit up, and you could see the weight of the moment hit him. It’s moments like these that remind you how much legacy and camaraderie matter in this league. On YouTube, clips of that game have racked up over 500,000 views in just two weeks, and it’s not hard to see why. The raw emotion, the strategic plays—it’s basketball storytelling at its finest.
Another highlight that’s been blowing up online is June Mar Fajardo’s dominant performance in Game 4. Now, I’ll admit, I’ve always been a bit biased toward Fajardo—there’s something about his consistency and humility that makes him easy to root for. But this season, he took it to another level. In that crucial game, he dropped 28 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, completely controlling the paint. The way he moved, the timing of his blocks—it was like watching a master at work. YouTube compilations of his plays have been trending nonstop, and one particular clip where he posterized a Ginebra defender has already hit 300,000 views. I’ve rewatched that moment at least a dozen times, and each time, I’m struck by how effortless he makes it look. That’s the beauty of the PBA: even in a league packed with talent, certain players just have that “it” factor.
But it’s not all about the veterans. One of the most exciting things about this season has been the rise of younger players. Take CJ Perez, for example. His speed and agility have been turning heads all year, and his highlight reel from the elimination rounds is pure fire. I was at the game where he scored 35 points against TNT, and the energy in the stadium was insane. On YouTube, his mixtapes are pulling in numbers that rival some of the league’s established stars—around 200,000 views per video, which is impressive for a relative newcomer. What I love about Perez is his fearlessness; he’s not afraid to take risks, and it pays off more often than not. It’s players like him who are shaping the future of the PBA, and if you’re not keeping an eye on his highlights, you’re missing out.
Of course, no discussion of PBA highlights would be complete without mentioning the Ginebra side of things. Scottie Thompson’s all-around game has been a joy to watch, especially his playmaking in transition. There’s one clip from the semifinals where he executed a behind-the-back pass to Japeth Aguilar for a slam dunk—it was so smooth, it almost looked choreographed. That play alone has garnered over 400,000 views, and for good reason. Thompson has this unique ability to make the extraordinary seem routine, and it’s a big part of why Ginebra’s games are always must-watch TV. Personally, I think he’s one of the most underrated players in the league, but based on the YouTube numbers, maybe fans are starting to catch on.
Then there are the moments that sneak up on you—the ones that aren’t necessarily about stats or flashy plays but about heart. Like when San Miguel’s role players stepped up in Game 5, hitting clutch threes and making defensive stops that sealed the series. I’ve always believed that basketball is as much about chemistry as it is about skill, and this season has proven that time and again. Watching those highlights, you can see the trust these players have in each other, the unspoken communication that turns good teams into great ones. It’s why I keep coming back to the PBA, year after year. The league has this unique blend of raw talent and emotional depth that you don’t always find elsewhere.
As the season winds down, I’ve found myself revisiting these YouTube clips more often than I’d like to admit. They’re not just highlights; they’re snapshots of a narrative that’s still unfolding. From Lassiter’s emotional moment with the Death Five alumni to Fajardo’s dominance and the rise of new stars, this season has given us plenty to talk about. And if you ask me, that’s what makes the PBA special—it’s a league where history and future collide, where every game has the potential to produce a moment that’ll be replayed for years to come. So if you haven’t already, go check out those videos. Trust me, you won’t regret it.