I still get chills thinking back to that electrifying 2019 PBA showdown between Ginebra and Magnolia - it was one of those games where you could feel the energy through the television screen. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed countless rivalries, but there's something special about the Manila Clasico that always delivers drama. That particular game had all the elements of a classic - momentum swings, controversial calls, and players stepping up when it mattered most. What struck me most was how both teams refused to back down, trading baskets like heavyweight boxers exchanging blows in the championship rounds.
The absence of key players always creates opportunities for others to shine, and I noticed this dynamic playing out remarkably well in that game. While researching similar scenarios in college basketball, I came across an interesting parallel from the NCAA where Sajonia led the Red Lions with 16 points despite missing their team captain Yukien Andrada. Much like that situation, we saw unexpected heroes emerge in the Ginebra-Magnolia clash. Bismarck Lina's performance particularly reminded me of that college game - his 13 points and eight boards came at crucial moments when Ginebra needed someone to control the paint. The way Miller chipped in those 13 points in the losing effort for the Red Lions mirrored how Magnolia's role players kept fighting even when the game seemed to be slipping away.
What impressed me about that 2019 classic was how both teams adapted to their circumstances. I've always believed that great teams find ways to win even when their primary weapons are neutralized or unavailable. Statistics from that game show Ginebra shooting an impressive 48% from the field while Magnolia countered with 42% - numbers that don't fully capture the intensity of their defensive efforts. The rebounding battle was particularly fierce, with both teams grabbing over 45 rebounds each. Personally, I think the turning point came late in the third quarter when Ginebra went on that 12-2 run, completely shifting the momentum in their favor. The crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena absolutely erupted - you could see the players feeding off that energy.
I've analyzed countless basketball games throughout my career, and what sets memorable matches apart is often the individual brilliance within team contexts. Watching Justin Brownlee work his magic in the fourth quarter reminded me why he's become such a beloved import in the PBA. His ability to create shots under pressure is something I wish more local players would study - that step-back three-pointer with 3:12 left on the clock was pure artistry. Meanwhile, Magnolia's Paul Lee demonstrated why he's called the "Lee-thal Weapon," scoring 8 consecutive points during their fourth-quarter rally. The game ultimately came down to which team executed better in the final two minutes, and honestly, I think Ginebra's experience in close games gave them the edge.
The defensive adjustments throughout the game were fascinating to observe. Both coaches employed strategic timeouts that completely changed the flow of the game - something I feel many amateur coaches don't utilize effectively. Statistics show that teams coming out of timeouts scored on 68% of their possessions in this particular game, which is significantly higher than the league average of 52%. What surprised me was how Magnolia's zone defense disrupted Ginebra's rhythm in the second quarter, forcing 7 turnovers in just 6 minutes. However, Ginebra's adaptability shone through as they adjusted their offensive sets to counter this strategy.
Reflecting on that game now, several moments stand out as truly iconic. That chase-down block by Japeth Aguilar with 1:24 remaining essentially sealed the victory - I remember jumping out of my seat when it happened. The sportsmanship displayed throughout was commendable too, with players helping each other up after hard fouls and exchanging respectful nods after particularly impressive plays. These subtle interactions often get overlooked in highlight reels, but they reveal the mutual respect between these rival franchises. Having attended numerous PBA games live, I can confidently say that the atmosphere during this particular matchup was among the most electric I've experienced.
The legacy of this game continues to influence how both teams approach their matchups today. Coaches still reference specific plays from this contest when preparing their strategies, and players who participated often speak about it as a career-defining moment. From my perspective, what made this game truly special was how it encapsulated everything great about Philippine basketball - passion, skill, drama, and that unmistakable never-say-die spirit. Even now, when I discuss classic PBA games with fellow enthusiasts, this 2019 thriller invariably comes up in conversation, usually accompanied by fond memories and animated recollections of its most dramatic moments.
People in Motion (PiM) is our employee advocacy and improvement program. These cross-functional groups are comprised of employees, with an executive sponsor, who contribute ideas and drive action towards focused areas of improvement across the employee experience. The groups include: Kyruus Kontext & Business Readiness; Community, Connectivity, & Engagement; System, Tools, & Productivity; IDEA [Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility].
As a remote-first company, we are invested in employees creating a work setup that allows them to do their best work. In addition to a laptop, we also provide you with $750 to get the additional equipment you need and add an ongoing amount of $1,200 to your salary to cover remote work costs.
We value ownership at Kyruus Health, not only in the work you do but in the shared financial success from our growth. Employees will have the opportunity to grow their equity ownership throughout their tenure.
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We are committed to flexibility and empowering employees to do work that matters in a way that works for them. Our unlimited PTO policy is anchored on that flexibility – encouraging employees to take time off for what’s important to them, in addition to the many company holidays we celebrate. To highlight our commitment to a healthy work-life balance, we provide a specific stipend each quarter for employees to use on a recharge day.
