Meralco Bolts’ Chris Newsome during Game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Not only did Chris Newsome claim his first PBA championship, it was also his shot that made it happen.
With the title on the line, Newsome took matters into his own hands and drained a jumper with 1.3 seconds left that also delivered Meralco its first-ever PBA title.
“Probably the most significant one up there. It’s up there, for sure,” said an ecstatic Newsome.
“I’ve had plenty of game-winners and big shots but that one for the championship, to seal it, I think that one makes it really, really special. I’m excited to go back and watch the game when I get the time.”
READ: PBA: Chris Newsome repays Meralco ‘faith’ with title-clinching shot
NEWNEW!!!
Chris Newsome sinks a jumper to put Meralco up, 80-78!
1.3 to go, Beermen ball! #PBAFinals @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/cDtI5FSZKX
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) June 16, 2024
After June Mar Fajardo tied the game at 78 with 3.3 seconds remaining, Meralco turned to Newsome, who flourished in the game’s most pressure-packed moment and drilled a corner jumper with 1.3 ticks to go.
“Whenever your team believes in you, it’s huge. Whenever it comes to those moments, specifically, that’s on them for trusting me.”
“They see the work I put in every single day, my teammates see it too so for them to trust me, it means a lot.”
READ: Finals MVP Chris Newsome leads Meralco breakthrough PBA title
Newsome ended up with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals to cap off a stellar PBA Finals campaign.
To no one’s surprise, Newsome bagged the Finals MVP award averaging of 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists after six games.
“I don’t want to let them down but at that point, it’s just about being courageous, brave and understand that it’s bigger than just me. That shot wasn’t just me, it was for the team, the organization, for everybody.”