SMB vs Magnolia Game 4 Final Score and Key Highlights You Need to See

As I settled in to watch Game 4 between San Miguel Beermen and Magnolia, I couldn't help but reflect on the fascinating coaching dynamics unfolding before us. The sidelines told a story almost as compelling as the game itself, especially considering how two Serbian coaches are now set to assist newly-installed FiberXers head coach and Pampanga vice governor Dennis 'Delta' Pineda. This international coaching exchange represents exactly the kind of global basketball evolution I've been tracking for years, where European tactical sophistication meets Filipino basketball passion.

The final score of 94-85 in favor of San Miguel doesn't fully capture how tightly contested this game was until the final minutes. What struck me most was how San Miguel's defense held Magnolia to just 18 points in that crucial third quarter - that's where they really won the game if you ask me. I've always believed championship teams separate themselves in those middle quarters, and SMB demonstrated that perfectly tonight. June Mar Fajoner's stat line of 24 points and 14 rebounds showcases why he remains, in my opinion, the most dominant big man in the league. His footwork in the post during the third quarter was simply masterclass material.

Meanwhile, CJ Perez's explosive 28-point performance reminded everyone why he's such a special talent. I particularly loved his back-to-back three pointers early in the fourth quarter that essentially sealed the game. Those shots came at the 8:32 and 7:15 marks, if I recall correctly from my notes, and stretched what was a precarious 4-point lead to a comfortable 10-point cushion. That's the kind of clutch shooting that separates good players from great ones in playoff situations.

From Magnolia's perspective, I have to say I was disappointed by their perimeter shooting. Converting only 6 of their 23 three-point attempts simply won't cut it against a team of San Miguel's caliber. Paul Lee's unusually quiet night with just 12 points really hurt their offensive flow. I've watched enough Magnolia games to know that when Lee isn't creating opportunities, their entire offensive system struggles to find rhythm. Their 15 turnovers didn't help either, leading directly to 18 points for San Miguel - that's essentially the difference in the ballgame right there.

What fascinates me about this series is how it reflects the broader coaching trends we're seeing across the PBA. The upcoming collaboration between those Serbian coaches and Delta Pineda represents exactly the kind of international knowledge exchange that could elevate the entire league. Having studied European coaching methodologies extensively, I'm convinced this cross-pollination of basketball philosophies will benefit Philippine basketball tremendously. The defensive schemes we saw from San Miguel tonight, particularly their rotational help defense, had clear elements of European defensive principles that we'll likely see more of as these coaching exchanges continue.

As the final buzzer sounded, I found myself thinking about how this 3-1 series lead for San Miguel sets up what could be a championship-clinching Game 5. Based on what I've seen throughout this series, San Miguel's depth and experience in close games should carry them through. Their bench contributed 28 points tonight compared to Magnolia's 18, and in a physical series like this, that kind of production from second-unit players becomes increasingly valuable as fatigue sets in. The 47-38 rebounding advantage San Miguel maintained, including 12 offensive boards, speaks to the relentless effort that championship teams consistently demonstrate.

Looking ahead, I'm particularly excited to see how the coaching landscape continues evolving with international influences like those Serbian coaches joining Pineda's staff. The game is becoming truly global, and tonight's contest demonstrated how Philippine basketball stands to benefit from embracing these diverse perspectives. For now though, San Miguel stands just one victory away from another championship, and based on what I witnessed tonight, they certainly look poised to finish the job.