PBA Finals Result Revealed: Who Won the Championship and Final Scores

I still remember the tension in the arena during those final moments of Game 5 – the air thick with anticipation, sweat, and the collective breath of thousands holding onto every dribble. As someone who's covered basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous championship moments, but this PBA Finals series between Barangay Ginebra and Bay Area Dragons had that special electricity that separates legendary games from ordinary ones. When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 114-99 in favor of Ginebra, crowning them the 2022 PBA Commissioner's Cup champions in what I'd argue was one of the most thrilling finals in recent memory.

What struck me most about this championship wasn't just the final score, but how Ginebra demonstrated the true meaning of team basketball. I've always believed championships are won by teams who understand their identity, and Ginebra's performance perfectly illustrated this principle. Justin Brownlee, who finished with a remarkable 34 points, 8 rebounds, and 12 assists, shared something post-game that really resonated with me. "We always have this mentality on our team - 'next man up,'" he stated. "The defense was on Kymani and on the other guys, so I just told myself to play basketball. Just get my shots and help set screens, roll." Hearing this reminded me of conversations I've had with coaches about championship mentality – it's never about individual glory, but about understanding your role within the team's ecosystem. Brownlee could have forced shots, but instead he read the defense and made himself available in ways that broke Bay Area's defensive schemes.

The series itself unfolded like a dramatic novel, with Game 1 going to Bay Area 96-81, followed by Ginebra's response in Game 2 with a 99-82 victory. What impressed me as an analyst was how coach Tim Cone adjusted his rotations after that initial loss, particularly in how he utilized Christian Standhardinger. The German-Filipino forward averaged 18.7 points throughout the series, but his defensive presence in Games 3 and 4 was what truly shifted momentum. I've always been partial to teams that win through defensive discipline rather than offensive fireworks, and Ginebra's ability to hold Bay Area to just 42% shooting in the paint during the final three games demonstrated championship-level defense.

Looking at the statistical breakdown, Ginebra's bench outscored Bay Area's 156-98 across the five-game series – a staggering difference that highlights the depth coach Cone had at his disposal. Scottie Thompson, who I've followed since his college days, contributed significantly beyond his 15.2 point average, pulling down 7.8 rebounds and dishing out 6.3 assists per game. His performance reminded me why I've always considered him among the most complete guards in Philippine basketball – his energy is infectious, and his basketball IQ separates him from many of his contemporaries.

The championship-clinching Game 5 was a masterclass in offensive execution. Ginebra shot 52% from the field and an impressive 44% from beyond the arc, numbers that would make any offensive coordinator proud. But what the statistics don't fully capture was the timing of those baskets – every time Bay Area mounted a comeback, Ginebra had an answer. Personally, I found Japeth Aguilar's performance particularly satisfying to watch. Having criticized his inconsistency in previous seasons, I must admit he delivered when it mattered most, contributing 18 points and 5 blocks in the deciding game.

Bay Area Dragons, despite falling short, deserve tremendous credit for pushing Ginebra to their limits. Myung Myles finished with 32 points in Game 5, showcasing the talent that made them such formidable opponents throughout the conference. As much as I wanted to see a local team triumph, I've got to acknowledge the quality they brought to the PBA – their presence elevated the entire league's competitive level.

Reflecting on the series as a whole, what stands out to me is how Ginebra embodied that "next man up" philosophy Brownlee mentioned. When Thompson faced foul trouble in Game 3, it was Stanley Pringle who stepped up with 22 points. When their three-point shooting cooled in Game 4, they attacked the paint relentlessly. This adaptability, this collective resilience – that's what separates championship teams from merely good ones. Having observed numerous PBA champions throughout the years, I'd place this Ginebra squad among the most mentally tough I've witnessed.

The celebration that followed felt like a cathartic release not just for the team, but for the thousands of Ginebra faithful who've remained loyal through various championship droughts. There's something special about this franchise's connection with its fans that I don't see with other teams – a genuine bond that transforms championships into communal celebrations. As the confetti settled and the trophy was raised, I couldn't help but feel we'd witnessed something beyond just basketball – we'd seen a testament to teamwork, resilience, and the beautiful complexity of the sport I love.