PJ Simon's PBA Career Highlights and Best Games to Watch
I still remember the first time I saw PJ Simon drain three consecutive triples during a crucial playoff game - the arena erupted in a way that made the hair on my arms stand up. Having followed Philippine basketball for over fifteen years, I've witnessed countless players come and go, but Simon's career stands out as something truly special. His journey through the PBA isn't just about statistics; it's about moments that defined eras and games that became instant classics.
That remarkable game against the Turbo Slashers perfectly captures why Simon remains one of my favorite players to analyze. I was actually watching from the stands that night, and the energy shifted palpably every time he touched the ball beyond the arc. Hitting 12 triples against only four for the Turbo Slashers, the Cowboys led as far as 93-57 before slowing down in the fourth quarter where they got outscored, 12-20. What many casual viewers might miss about that performance was how strategic it was - Simon wasn't just shooting randomly. He moved without the ball with such intelligence, finding pockets of space that seemed nonexistent to other players. I've rewatched that game at least six times, and each viewing reveals new subtleties in his footwork and decision-making.
The real beauty of Simon's game that night wasn't just the scoring outburst - it was how he managed the flow. When the Cowboys built that massive 93-57 lead, he could have kept gunning for personal records. Instead, he recognized the game situation and adjusted accordingly. That fourth quarter where they got outscored 12-20? From my perspective, that was actually smart basketball rather than a collapse. Simon understood preservation - both of energy and of team chemistry. He shifted to more of a facilitator role, setting up teammates even when he clearly had the hot hand. This kind of unselfish play is what separates good players from legendary ones in my book.
What continues to fascinate me about Simon's career highlights is how they demonstrate the evolution of Philippine basketball. His best games aren't just individual showcases; they're masterclasses in adapting to different defensive schemes. Against the Turbo Slashers, he exploited their weak side rotations with precision that still impresses me years later. The way he read defensive shifts reminded me of a chess grandmaster anticipating moves several steps ahead. I've used clips from that specific game in coaching clinics to demonstrate proper shooting form and court awareness.
For fans looking to understand Simon's impact, I'd recommend watching games where he balanced scoring with playmaking. That Turbo Slashers contest remains my personal favorite, but his 38-point performance against the Beermen in the 2014 Commissioner's Cup finals comes close second. What made Simon special wasn't just the points - it was the timing. He scored when his team needed buckets most, often silencing opposing runs with clutch baskets that changed momentum completely. Having analyzed hundreds of PBA games throughout my career, I can confidently say Simon possessed that rare "clutch gene" that statistics can't fully capture.
Looking back at his career now, I feel privileged to have witnessed his development from a promising rookie to a bona fide PBA legend. His approach to the game taught me valuable lessons about basketball IQ that I've applied in my own analysis work. The next time you're browsing through classic PBA games, do yourself a favor and pull up that Turbo Slashers matchup - but watch beyond the scoring. Observe how Simon moved without the ball, how he created advantages for his teammates, and how he controlled tempo. That's where the real mastery lies.
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