Finals MVP Chris Newsome leads Meralco breakthrough PBA title win

PBA Finals MVP Chris Newsome delivers Meralco’s first-ever PBA championship.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Chris Newsome finally entered hallowed basketball grounds on Sunday night, delivering Meralco’s first-ever PBA title at the expense of erstwhile defending champion San Miguel.

The two-way guard delivered the finishing blow of the 80-78 Game 6 victory at Smart Araneta Coliseum, capping off a stellar effort that eventually earned him the Honda-PBA Press Corps Finals Most Valuable Player.

Newsome had 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block in the clincher.

READ: Meralco wins first PBA title, survives San Miguel in Game 6

Meralco’s Chris Newsome is hailed as the Philippine Cup #PBAFinals MVP. pic.twitter.com/PvT0cr93kz

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) June 16, 2024

Newsome also delivered the finishing blow—a fadeaway jumper over the outstretched arms of Don Trollano—with 1.3 ticks left on the clock.

The Ateneo product and Gilas Pilipinas mainstay racked up an average of 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists throughout the title series where many felt the Bolts were overwhelming underdogs.

Newsome finally added the most important feather to his cap. Before Sunday night, he had been a two-time All-Star, a member of the All-Defensive Team, and the 2016 Rookie of the Year, but never a PBA champion.