June Mar Fajardo delivered another commanding performance that reinforced his reputation as the most dominant big man in the PBA, posting 27 points and 23 rebounds in a game that revolved around his presence. It was a night defined by strength, consistency, and control in the paint—but also by a lingering sense that the stat line could have been even more impressive had his free throws fallen.

From the start, Fajardo imposed his will. He established a position early, sealing defenders under the basket and converting high-percentage shots through traffic. Every offensive possession seemed to run through him, whether it ended with a basket, a drawn foul, or a kick-out pass that opened opportunities for his teammates. On defense, he anchored the interior, protecting the rim and finishing plays with rebounds that halted any momentum from the opposing side.

A 27-point, 23-rebound outing is a rarity in modern basketball, yet Fajardo made it look routine. His understanding of spacing, timing, and positioning allowed him to dominate without forcing the issue. Even when faced with double teams, he remained patient, choosing the right moments to attack and the right moments to let the game come to him.

Still, the free-throw line told a different story. Several misses stood out in a game where each possession carried weight. Those were points left untaken—points that could have pushed his scoring total beyond the 30-point mark and further tilted the contest. For a player who does most of his damage near the basket, the free throw has long been the one area that remains inconsistent.

Opponents are well aware of this and often turn to fouling as a defensive tactic. On this night, that approach slowed Fajardo just enough to keep the game within reach. Instead of easy finishes at the rim, he was repeatedly sent to the line, where missed attempts gave the other team a chance to regroup.

Despite that, Fajardo never lost his rhythm. He continued battling for rebounds, setting physical screens, and sprinting back on defense. There were no visible signs of frustration, only a steady focus on contributing in every possible way. His body language reflected leadership—calm, composed, and confident.

Teammates leaned on that presence, trusting that Fajardo would stabilize the game whenever it threatened to slip. His influence extended beyond the box score, shaping how the game was played whenever he was on the floor. Plays slowed down, spacing improved, and defensive assignments shifted, all because of his positioning.

For fans, the night sparked familiar conversations. How much more dominant could Fajardo be if free throws were no longer an issue? The question has followed him for years, not as criticism, but as recognition of how close he already is to complete control of the game.

The performance also highlighted Fajardo’s longevity. Few players can consistently deliver this level of production season after season, especially while absorbing constant physical punishment. His ability to rebound at such a high rate, while also carrying the scoring load, speaks to conditioning, discipline, and basketball intelligence.

As the season progresses, those missed free throws could take on greater significance. Close games, especially in the playoffs, are often decided at the line. Improving in that area could turn strong performances into decisive ones.

Yet focusing solely on what could have been risks overlooking what already was. A 27-point, 23-rebound night is a statement in itself. It reflects dominance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to winning.

In the end, Fajardo once again showed why he remains the league’s standard for excellence in the frontcourt. Even on a night that wasn’t perfect, he controlled the game in ways few players can. The missed free throws may have limited the final numbers, but they did nothing to diminish the impact of another performance that underscored his greatness.