Forget the numbers; they're already history. You can also forget the nervousness, the bitten nails, the kicks on the couch, or the sweating in the gym; they've become memories. It's time to celebrate, as Flamengo is the five-time NBB champion, its fourth consecutive title. The season, which began on November 02, 2015, against Bauru, away from home, ends with the crowning of the best team in Brazilian basketball at Arena Carioca 2, the Olympic venue.

There were 41 games with 40 million "Olivinhas," "Jeromes," and the multiplication of all the stars of the Pride of the Nation. With every good play by Marquinhos, Robinson, Rafa Luz, Rafa Mineiro, Ramon, Gegê, Mingau, Danielzinho, JP Batista, or Marcelinho, the Nation was present. With every shout or command from José Neto, the spirit and commitment so characteristic of the red and black of the Sacred Mantle exploded.

 

The final was no different. There were slam dunks, blocks, shots from the three-point line. When the ball went up, hearts raced, and every point was scored in unison. There was never a moment when hope faded. The tactics, technique, and determination of the Pride of the Nation led the way to the trophy, which will happily reside in Gávea.

 

But, not to forget the game itself, it was extremely close in the first two quarters. Point by point, foul by foul, play by play, Flamengo and Bauru sought the advantage. Even without hesitation, it's true that the Pride of the Nation was threatened in the first half of the match. From the third quarter onward, the champion prevailed, took the lead, and held on to the lead until the end.

 

Mengão is the champion of the Americas, the world, and, once again, the first five-time Brazilian champion. Stories repeat themselves, because this is Flamengo.