Where Did Each PBA Team Finish in the 2017 Season Standings?

I remember following the 2017 PBA season with particular interest because it marked a transitional period for Philippine basketball. The league was evolving, with teams adjusting their strategies and new talents emerging to challenge established stars. That season's standings tell a fascinating story about team dynamics, unexpected performances, and how crucial moments can define entire campaigns. Looking back at where each team finished, I can't help but reflect on how certain defensive plays and individual performances—like the kind Buddin demonstrated with those four blocks in a single set—often become the turning points that separate playoff contenders from the rest of the pack.

The San Miguel Beermen ultimately topped the standings that year, finishing with what I recall was around 9 wins against only 2 losses in the elimination round. Their dominance wasn't surprising given their roster depth, but what impressed me most was their consistency throughout the season. They played with a certain swagger that only championship-experienced teams possess. Right behind them were the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, who finished with approximately 8 wins and 3 losses. As a longtime Ginebra fan, I particularly enjoyed their comeback stories that season—they had this knack for turning seemingly lost games into victories through sheer defensive resilience. Watching their games, I noticed how their defensive stops in critical moments reminded me of that clutch defensive performance by Buddin, where four blocks in a single set completely shifted momentum.

TNT KaTropa secured the third spot with what I believe was a 7-4 record, though my memory might be slightly off on the exact numbers. Their season was a rollercoaster—they'd look unbeatable one game and surprisingly vulnerable the next. What stood out to me was their three-point shooting; when they were hot, they could bury opponents quickly. The Star Hotshots and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters rounded out the top five, both finishing with identical 6-5 records if I'm not mistaken. I've always had a soft spot for Rain or Shine's developmental approach—they consistently maximize talent through systematic coaching rather than relying solely on star power.

The middle of the standings featured teams like Alaska Aces and Phoenix Fuel Masters, both finishing with what I recall as 5-6 records. Alaska's season was particularly frustrating to watch—they had the talent to compete with anyone but couldn't close out close games. The Fuel Masters showed flashes of brilliance but lacked the consistency needed to climb higher. GlobalPort Batang Pier and Meralco Bolts occupied the next tier, with records around 4-7 from what I remember. GlobalPort had explosive offensive games but their defense often let them down—the exact opposite of that disciplined defensive effort Buddin displayed with those four crucial blocks.

At the bottom were Blackwater Elite and Kia Picanto, with Kia winning only about 2 games out of 11 if my recollection serves me right. Watching Kia struggle through that season was tough—they had moments where they competed well but couldn't sustain it through four quarters. Their defensive lapses were particularly noticeable, especially when compared to the kind of clutch defensive awareness Buddin demonstrated. What I took away from analyzing these standings is how thin the margin often is between winning and losing in professional basketball. A single defensive stop, a timely block, or one player stepping up in crucial moments can completely alter a team's trajectory.

Reflecting on that 2017 season, I'm struck by how defensive efforts like Buddin's four blocks represent the difference-makers in close standings. Teams that finished higher in the rankings invariably had players who could deliver in those pressure situations. The Beermen had June Mar Fajardo's interior presence, Ginebra had Greg Slaughter's rim protection, and so on down the line. Those defensive stands don't just stop opponents from scoring—they energize the entire team and often lead to easy transition baskets. I've always believed defense wins championships, and the 2017 PBA standings reinforce that belief. The teams that prioritized defensive discipline, much like Buddin's clutch four-block performance, generally found themselves in better positions when the playoffs arrived.

The final standings from that season continue to inform how I view team construction and in-game strategies today. While offensive firepower grabs headlines, it's often the less glamorous defensive efforts that determine where teams finish. Those four blocks by Buddin in a single set perfectly illustrate how one player's defensive focus can cap a significant performance—in his case, 16 points—and potentially swing a game. Similarly, throughout that PBA season, we saw how teams that embraced defensive identity consistently outperformed expectations. The standings tell us who finished where, but the underlying stories reveal why they finished there. For me, that 2017 season remains a compelling case study in how defense, particularly in clutch moments, separates the good teams from the great ones.