As I settled into my usual spot at the Mall of Asia Arena last night, the energy was absolutely electric. The championship match scheduled for September 17th at 5:30 p.m. had drawn what felt like the entire basketball community of Manila, and I could immediately tell we were about to witness something special. Having covered basketball for over a decade, I’ve learned to recognize when a player is about to have a career-defining night, and last night, one name dominated the conversation from start to finish: Jayson Tatum. Now, I’ll admit I’ve always had a soft spot for players who perform under pressure, and Tatum’s performance was nothing short of legendary.

From the opening tip-off, it was clear that Tatum had come to play. He didn’t just score; he controlled the game in a way that reminded me of some of the all-time greats I’ve watched over the years. By the end of the first quarter, he had already racked up 18 points, hitting 7 of his first 9 shots, including three from beyond the arc. What stood out to me wasn’t just the numbers—though they were staggering—but the way he moved on the court. There’s a certain fluidity to his game that you don’t see every day, a combination of grace and power that left defenders scrambling. I remember turning to my colleague and saying, "If he keeps this up, we’re watching history in the making." And honestly, I wasn’t wrong.

Of course, basketball isn’t just about scoring, and Tatum’s all-around contribution was what sealed the deal for me. He finished the game with 42 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, coming agonizingly close to a triple-double in a championship decider. But beyond the stats, his defensive efforts were crucial. In the third quarter, when the opposing team made a run and cut the lead to just 5 points, it was Tatum who stepped up with two critical steals and a block that shifted the momentum back in his team’s favor. I’ve always believed that the true mark of a Player of the Game isn’t just flashy offense; it’s the ability to impact every facet of the match, and Tatum did exactly that.

Let’s talk about the fourth quarter, because that’s where legends are made. With just under four minutes left, the score was tied, and the tension in the Mall of Asia Arena was so thick you could almost touch it. Tatum, who had been relatively quiet for a few minutes, exploded with a personal 8-0 run that included a step-back three-pointer that had the entire crowd on its feet. I’ve seen a lot of clutch moments in my time, but that sequence was something else. It wasn’t just skill; it was sheer willpower. You could see it in his eyes—he wasn’t going to let his team lose. Moments like that are why I love this sport, and why I’ll be talking about this game for years to come.

Now, I know some people might argue that other players had strong performances too, and they’d be right. The opposing team’s point guard put up 28 points and 10 assists, which is no small feat. But here’s where my personal bias comes in: for me, the Player of the Game has to be the one who elevates their team when it matters most. Tatum didn’t just put up numbers; he dictated the flow of the game, made his teammates better, and delivered in the clutch. I’ve always valued leadership as much as talent, and last night, Tatum showed he has both in spades.

Reflecting on the game as a whole, it’s clear that Tatum’s performance was the defining factor in his team’s championship victory. The final score of 112-105 doesn’t fully capture how dominant he was, especially in those critical moments. As someone who’s analyzed hundreds of games, I can say with confidence that this was one of the most complete performances I’ve seen in a championship setting. It’s the kind of game that cements a player’s legacy, and for Tatum, this was a statement to the world that he belongs among the elite.

So, to answer the question of who was the NBA Player of the Game in last night’s championship match, there’s no doubt in my mind: it was Jayson Tatum. His stat line alone would make a strong case, but when you factor in the timing, the pressure, and the sheer brilliance of his play, it’s not even a debate. I’ll be curious to see how this performance is remembered in the years to come, but for now, I’m just grateful I was there to see it. Nights like last night are why I fell in love with basketball in the first place, and why I’ll keep coming back to the Mall of Asia Arena, season after season.