For a moment, Game 3 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup was leaning in the favor of the TNT Tropang 5G. The contest had largely been a seesaw affair, but the Tropang 5G were able to seize an 89-86 lead over the San Miguel Beermen with around 50 seconds left in the ball game. 

TNT had also put up a fine job defensively against the Beermen, who could not even convert on 40 percent of their field goal attempts. The shots were there, but if they didn’t fall, it wouldn’t really matter at all. Thus, there was a degree of certainty in the chances of the Tropang 5G taking a 2-1 series lead. But that all went away in a blur thanks to CJ Perez. 

Perez is as mercurial as they come, with his stellar plays often coming with some questionable decisions. But when SMB needed him the most, the four-time PBA First Mythical Team selection knocked down the biggest shots of the game. 

In the first two games, Perez had a total of 29 points on 35.7 percent shooting from the field. The shots weren’t falling and the defense was clearly daring him to shoot his way out of his slump. The two-time PBA All-Star’s playing time was up and down in both games and that may have added to his frustrations. However, a tied series is technically a restart of sorts and Game 3 offered Perez an opportunity to refocus. 

With the way he played, it’s clear that a path to a record-extending 31st PBA championship for San Miguel begins with Perez. June Mar Fajardo will get his production and remain a force in the paint regardless of who TNT throws at him, but it’s Perez that will drive the Tropang 5G nuts. 

At his best, Perez is a pick-your-poison type of player. Limit his shooting, but risk the chance he blows by you for an easy basket or an acrobatic layup. Cut the drive and you can be susceptible to his deadly stepback shot, which TNT saw firsthand (and could have nightmares of until Wednesday). Even when his offense isn’t at his best, the three-time PBA champion can create plays for others. In fact, Perez has been averaging 5.0 assists (on 2.3 turnovers) in three finals games thus far. 

Perhaps the Tropang 5G will now change the way they defend Perez. It won’t just be about scoring, but overall decision making. Live with Fajardo and let everyone else besides Perez win the game for the Beermen. 

But CJ Perez has always found a way, even in the most crucial moments. The ball has found its way to him and he’s never been afraid to take the shot that will decide his fate and that of the San Miguel Beermen. After all, the results tend to speak for themselves.