As I sit down to analyze this season's PBA scoring race, I can't help but feel the excitement building. The Philippine Basketball Association has always been a league where offensive fireworks light up the court, and this season has been particularly spectacular. Having followed the PBA for over a decade, I've witnessed scoring titles being decided by mere decimal points, and this year's battle appears just as thrilling. What makes this season particularly fascinating isn't just the raw numbers—it's how these scoring leaders are carrying their teams through crucial moments, something that reminds me of that powerful quote from one of the players: "In the second half, we played the way we're supposed to. I'm just hoping that we carry this momentum to the next game." That statement perfectly captures the mindset of these elite scorers—they're not just putting up numbers, they're building momentum that carries through entire tournaments.
Right now, if you're asking who's leading the pack, my observation points strongly toward Robert Bolick of the NorthPort Batang Pier. The guy has been absolutely sensational, averaging around 28.3 points per game as of the last statistics I reviewed. I've always been a fan of players who can create their own shot while making everyone around them better, and Bolick embodies that perfectly. What impresses me most isn't just his scoring volume—it's his efficiency. He's shooting approximately 44% from the field and an impressive 38% from three-point territory, numbers that demonstrate his smart shot selection. Having watched numerous NorthPort games this season, I've noticed how Bolick's scoring surges often come during crucial moments when his team needs buckets the most. His ability to take over games in the fourth quarter separates him from many other talented scorers in the league.
Close on his heels is June Mar Fajardo, the perennial MVP candidate from the San Miguel Beermen. Now, I'll admit I have a soft spot for traditional big men who dominate in the paint, and Fajardo is the epitome of that archetype. He's putting up about 25.7 points per game while grabbing roughly 13.2 rebounds—monstrous numbers that remind us why he's considered one of the greatest players in PBA history. What makes Fajardo's scoring so effective is his incredible 58% field goal percentage, mostly coming from within five feet of the basket. I've lost count of how many times I've seen him demand double teams, only to still power through for easy baskets. His footwork in the post is simply textbook material, something young players should study repeatedly.
Then there's CJ Perez of the San Miguel Beermen, another scoring machine who's been lighting up scoreboards with approximately 24.9 points per game. Perez brings a different dimension to the scoring race—his explosive first step and ability to finish through contact are things of beauty. I've always appreciated how Perez combines athleticism with basketball IQ, knowing exactly when to attack the rim and when to pull up for his reliable mid-range jumper. His scoring often comes in explosive bursts—I recall one game where he dropped 18 points in a single quarter, completely shifting the momentum in his team's favor. That ability to single-handedly change the complexion of a game is what makes him so valuable.
What fascinates me about this season's scoring race is how these players embody that mentality of carrying momentum from game to game. When that player said, "In the second half, we played the way we're supposed to," it resonated with me because I've watched these scorers find their rhythm as games progress. Bolick often starts methodically, reading defenses before unleashing his scoring arsenal in the second half. Fajardo typically wears down opponents gradually, his impact growing as the game extends. Perez can explode at any moment, but his most damaging scoring runs often come after halftime adjustments. This pattern of building momentum throughout games and carrying it forward is what separates good scorers from great ones.
The context of these scoring numbers matters tremendously. Unlike some seasons where high scores come from lottery teams, this year's leading scorers are propelling their teams toward championship contention. Bolick's NorthPort has been surprisingly competitive, Fajardo's Beermen remain title favorites, and Perez's two-way impact makes San Miguel even more dangerous. This reminds me of something I've believed for years—meaningful scoring that contributes to winning basketball will always be more impressive than empty statistics on losing teams. These players aren't just accumulating points; they're scoring when their teams need them most, in high-leverage situations that determine victories.
Looking at the historical context, this season's scoring race is particularly special because we're witnessing multiple players averaging above 24 points—something that hasn't happened frequently in recent PBA history. The league has shifted toward a more offensive-minded style, but what's remarkable is that these high scores aren't coming at the expense of efficiency. Having analyzed basketball statistics for years, I can confidently say we're watching one of the most efficient high-scoring seasons in recent memory. The combination of volume and efficiency from these top scorers is something truly special.
As the season progresses into its crucial stages, I'm particularly excited to see how this scoring race develops. Will Bolick maintain his lead? Can Fajardo's consistent dominance inside propel him to the top? Might Perez's explosive scoring bursts eventually catapult him to the front? What's certain is that each of these players understands the importance of maintaining that momentum, of playing the right way in crucial moments, and carrying that energy from game to game. That mindset, more than any particular move or physical attribute, is what ultimately separates the good scorers from the great ones, the seasonal performers from the true legends of the game.
