PHILADELPHIA 63, DALLAS 52
PHOBIA RECLAIMS THE THRONE
PHILADELPHIA -- Using its league-leading defense to all of its smothering capability, the Philadelphia Phobia snuffed out the six-time-defending champion Dallas Demons 63-52 to capture the Season 58 title, 63-52.
The franchise-leading 17th championship in MBA history put an end to Philadelphia's longest championship drought...14 seasons.
This title-winning Game 5 effort was the best defensive showing in the playoffs by the Phobia, as they held the league's No. 1 offense to a playoff-low 52 points and just 41.7 percent shooting. That included an 0 for 10 stat line for Dallas from beyond the 3-point line.
Additionally, the new champions tied a team rebounding record for a single playoff game set by three other teams: Houston in Season 9 and Season 36, and Dallas in Season 52.
The front line of Philadelphia...Blob Dylan, Philibuck Davia and Leonard Pinth Garnel all dominated their respective opponents.
Dallas was somewhat within striking distance, down 7 going into the final quarter, but the Phobia strangled any hope for the Demons by starting the stanza with a 10-0 run. Halfway through the last frame the new champs held a 17-point lead and coasted home with number 17 secure in hand.
All five Finals games were won by the home team.
Meanwhile, let's acknowledge the amazing six-season run at the top of the heap by Dallas, who died defending their crown in the Finals.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
32 GVP...The MBA's regular season MVP, LEONARD PINTH GARNEL, waited until the final game of the playoffs to unleash his first post-season POG performance. The 6-10 Garnel put all of his assets on display in this winning effort, leading everyone in six categories: rebounding (13), steals (3), assists (4), blocked shots (4), points prevented (6) and turnovers caused (5). So, despite scoring just 8 points on 4 of 7 shooting, Garnel was easily the single-most dominant force in the game. The league's top rebounder came right out of the gate with 7 first-quarter rebounds, falling just one rebound short of Hall of Famer Raisin Sport's Season 9 playoff record of 14 for the game. He was magnifico at the exact right time.
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