Watching Rain or Shine dismantle TNT in that Game 3 showdown felt like witnessing a statement being made. The final scoreline of 107-86 wasn't just a number; it was a declaration of intent, a collective roar from a team that had finally found its rhythm in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup semifinals. And at the heart of that commanding performance, one player didn't just participate—he orchestrated. That’s why, in my view, the PBA Player of the Week honor wasn't just handed to Beau Belga; it was earned in the most emphatic way possible on that court at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. I've been following his career for years, and what we saw on Sunday was the full flowering of a player who understands that impact isn't always about the flashiest plays. Sometimes, it's about being the steady, intelligent force that the entire machine relies on.

Let's talk about that game. TNT was admittedly depleted, and in professional sports, you can sometimes sense when a team is vulnerable. The real test, however, is whether you have the killer instinct to press that advantage and not let up. Rain or Shine, led by Belga, did exactly that. They didn't just win; they dominated from a position of strength. Belga’s stat line was a thing of beauty for any purist of the game—18 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. Now, a double-double is impressive on its own, but those 7 assists are what truly caught my eye. For a big man, that number is extraordinary. It speaks to a high basketball IQ and an unselfishness that elevates everyone around him. I remember thinking during the third quarter, as he kicked the ball out to an open shooter after drawing a double-team, that this is what modern basketball is all about. He wasn't just a post player; he was a facilitator, the hub of the offense. His presence in the paint created open looks on the perimeter, and his decision-making in the high post was nearly flawless. It’s this versatility that makes him such a nightmare to defend. You can't just pack the paint because he'll find the open man. You can't play him one-on-one because he has the footwork and strength to score.

Beyond the numbers, which I believe were 18 points on an efficient 7-of-12 shooting, his leadership was palpable. This was a must-win game for Rain or Shine to claw back into the semifinals, and the pressure was immense. You could see it in the body language of some players early on. But Belga was a rock. He was communicating on defense, directing traffic, and celebrating his teammates' successes as if they were his own. There's a tangible energy a veteran leader brings, and Belga provided that in spades. He wasn't just playing for himself; he was willing the entire team to perform at a higher level. In my years of analyzing the PBA, I've noticed that the most valuable players aren't always the top scorers. They are the ones who make their teams better simply by being on the floor. They are the glue guys, and Belga was the ultimate glue in that crucial Game 3 victory. His defensive presence, often an underrated part of his game, was also key. He anchored the interior defense, contesting shots and securing crucial defensive rebounds that sparked fast breaks. He finished with those 11 rebounds, with I'd estimate about 8 of them being on the defensive end, which effectively killed TNT's second-chance opportunities.

Some might argue that the award could have gone to a player with gaudier scoring numbers, and I get that. The allure of a 30-point game is strong. But true excellence, the kind that wins championships, is about comprehensive impact. Belga’s performance was a masterclass in all-around contribution. He filled every column of the stat sheet while also providing the intangible leadership that doesn't get quantified. He was the best player on the floor for the team that secured its first semifinal win in a convincing fashion, and that, for me, is the very definition of a Player of the Week. It’s a recognition of not just individual brilliance, but of how that brilliance catalyzes team success. Seeing Rain or Shine play with such cohesion and confidence, I'm convinced they have a real shot in this series, largely because they have a leader like Belga who sets the tone. He showed everyone that dominance isn't just about scoring; it's about controlling the game in every facet, and that’s precisely what he did to rightfully claim this weekly honor.