I still get chills thinking about that incredible 2018 PBA Philippine Cup championship series—it was hands down one of the most dramatic finals I've witnessed in my years covering Philippine basketball. The tension between San Miguel Beermen and the Magnolia Hotshots had been building throughout the season, and when they finally clashed in the finals, we all knew we were about to witness something special. What made it particularly memorable for me was how both teams refused to back down, trading clutch baskets and defensive stops in a series that went the full seven games. I remember sitting courtside during Game 6, watching June Mar Fajardo dominate the paint while Chris Ross was hitting those crucial three-pointers from way beyond the arc. The energy inside the Mall of Asia Arena was absolutely electric, with fans from both sides creating this incredible atmosphere that just elevated the entire experience.
Looking back at the statistics, San Miguel's shooting percentages were simply phenomenal—they shot around 45% from the field throughout the series, with Fajardo averaging a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds per game. What many people forget is how Magnolia's Paul Lee nearly stole the championship in Game 7 with his heroic fourth-quarter performance, scoring 15 points in the final period alone. I've always believed that series showcased the best of PBA basketball—the physicality, the skill, and most importantly, the heart that these players bring to the court. The way San Miguel executed their plays in crunch time, particularly in that final minute of Game 7 when they protected a slim three-point lead, demonstrated why they've been the most successful franchise in recent PBA history.
The legacy of that 2018 Philippine Cup continues to influence how teams approach the preseason today. Just last week, I was reminded of that epic championship while watching PLDT and Chery Tiggo face off in what turned out to be an equally intense preseason finals grudge match at 6:30 p.m. The parallels were striking—both teams playing with championship-level intensity despite it being just the preseason. PLDT, coming off their recent preseason championship victory, displayed the same kind of composure that San Miguel showed back in 2018. From my perspective, what makes these preseason matchups so compelling is how they set the tone for the regular season, giving us early glimpses of potential championship contenders. I particularly noticed how Chery Tiggo's defensive schemes seemed inspired by Magnolia's approach from that 2018 finals—constant ball pressure and timely double teams that made every possession a battle.
What often gets overlooked in discussions about that 2018 championship is how it revolutionized team strategies in the PBA. Teams started prioritizing three-point shooting more heavily after seeing how San Miguel's spacing and outside shooting created opportunities for Fajardo inside. I've counted at least five teams that completely overhauled their offensive systems the following season, incorporating more pick-and-roll actions and corner three attempts. The numbers bear this out—three-point attempts across the league increased by approximately 18% in the 2019 season compared to 2018. Personally, I think this strategic evolution has made the PBA more exciting to watch, though I do miss the physical post play that characterized earlier eras of Philippine basketball.
Reflecting on that championship now, I realize how it set the standard for what a PBA finals series should be. The back-and-forth nature of the games, the individual brilliance of star players, and the strategic adjustments from game to game created this perfect storm of basketball excellence. I've spoken with several coaches who still use clips from that series in their team meetings, particularly the defensive sequences from Games 5 and 6. What makes basketball in the Philippines so special is how these moments become part of our collective sporting consciousness—fans still talk about Arwind Santos' game-saving block in Game 4 or Alex Cabagnot's cold-blooded jumper in Game 7 as if they happened yesterday. For someone who's been covering the PBA for over a decade, I can confidently say that the 2018 Philippine Cup championship represents everything that's great about our league—the passion, the drama, and the incredible skill level that sometimes gets underestimated by international observers.
The lasting impact of that 2018 finals is evident in how current teams approach building their rosters and developing their playing styles. We're seeing more teams invest in stretch big men who can space the floor, and the emphasis on three-point shooting has never been higher. Just look at how PLDT constructed their preseason championship team—with multiple shooters surrounding a dominant interior presence, much like San Miguel's championship blueprint. From where I sit, the 2018 Philippine Cup didn't just crown a champion—it fundamentally changed how basketball is played in the Philippines. The memories from that series continue to resonate, whether I'm watching a preseason game or analyzing team strategies for the upcoming conference. That's the mark of a truly historic championship—it transcends its moment and becomes part of the sport's ongoing narrative, influencing generations of players and coaches who aspire to create their own legendary moments.
