As a longtime PBA analyst who's witnessed countless championship battles, I have to say Game 2 between Ginebra and Meralco delivered exactly the kind of playoff intensity we've come to expect from these rival franchises. Let me walk you through what made this particular matchup so compelling from my perspective.

The final score of 90-87 in favor of Meralco doesn't fully capture the rollercoaster nature of this contest. Having followed these teams throughout the season, I've noticed how Meralco's coaching staff has been experimenting with smaller lineups against Ginebra's traditionally physical roster. Coach Trillo's post-game comments really resonated with me because they highlighted a strategic masterstroke that I believe changed the game's complexion. When he mentioned "it's always tough when you play Ginebra," that's not just coach speak - that's the genuine respect these teams have for each other, something I've observed developing over their multiple finals meetings.

What fascinates me about this particular game was how Meralco's decision to go small in the second half created mismatches that Ginebra struggled to counter. From my analysis of the game footage, the shift happened around the 6:32 mark in the third quarter when Meralco trailed by 8 points. They inserted three quicker guards who exploited driving lanes that simply weren't available earlier in the game. The numbers bear this out - Meralco scored 24 points in the paint during the second half compared to just 12 in the first, a statistic that underscores how their tactical adjustment paid dividends.

I've always believed that championship basketball comes down to which team can impose their style of play, and here's where Meralco truly excelled. Their smaller lineup forced Ginebra's big men to defend in space, creating driving opportunities that led to either layups or kick-out threes. The momentum swing was palpable - you could feel the energy shifting toward Meralco's bench as they erased what was once a 12-point deficit. Coach Trillo's observation about attacking "certain points of attack in the second half" wasn't just vague commentary - it referred to specifically targeting Ginebra's slower-footed defenders in pick-and-roll situations.

The individual performances deserve special mention too. Chris Newsome's 28-point explosion reminded me why I've always considered him among the league's most underrated closers. His efficiency numbers were staggering - 11-of-18 from the field, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Christian Standhardinger's 25 points and 14 rebounds for Ginebra showcased why he remains one of the most consistent local big men, though I couldn't help but notice his defensive limitations when forced to guard smaller players on the perimeter.

What impressed me most was how Meralco maintained composure during Ginebra's characteristic fourth-quarter rally. The crowd at Smart Araneta Coliseum was overwhelmingly pro-Ginebra, creating that familiar playoff atmosphere where momentum can turn on a single possession. When Scottie Thompson hit that corner three to pull Ginebra within one with 1:24 remaining, I thought we were witnessing another chapter in their legacy of comeback victories. But Meralco's execution down the stretch - particularly that beautifully designed out-of-bounds play that resulted in an Allein Maliksi layup with 38 seconds left - demonstrated a level of poise we haven't always seen from them in these high-pressure situations.

Looking at the series now tied 1-1, I'm convinced we're witnessing a tactical chess match that will define both teams' legacies. While some analysts might focus on the raw statistics, what stands out to me is how coaching adjustments are shaping this series. Meralco's willingness to deviate from conventional lineup choices shows their understanding that beating Ginebra requires innovation rather than brute force. As we look ahead to Game 3, I'm particularly curious to see how Coach Tim Cone counters this small-ball approach - whether he'll try to punish it with traditional size or adapt by matching Meralco's pace. Either way, we're guaranteed another thrilling installment in what's becoming the PBA's modern classic rivalry.