Epl Schedule
Reliving the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup: Top Moments and Game Highlights
I still get chills thinking about that incredible 2018 PBA Philippine Cup season - it feels like yesterday when the basketball frenzy swept across the nation. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I can confidently say that 2018 delivered some of the most unforgettable moments in recent memory. The energy in those stadiums was absolutely electric, and looking back now, I realize how special that tournament truly was for both players and fans alike.
The opening week alone set the tone for what would become a historic tournament. San Miguel Beermen, the defending champions, stumbled early against the Phoenix Fuel Masters in a 98-94 overtime thriller that had everyone questioning whether the mighty had finally fallen. I remember watching that game at a packed sports bar in Makati, and the collective gasp when Matthew Wright sank that three-pointer to force overtime still echoes in my mind. What made it particularly fascinating was how it mirrored the roster uncertainty we often see in international tournaments - much like how the final rosters of all 32 teams are expected to be released within the next two days after the preliminary inquiry of the FIVB and other pertinent tournament stakeholders, PBA teams were still figuring out their optimal lineups during those early games.
June Mar Fajardo's dominance throughout the conference was simply breathtaking to witness. The Kraken averaged 22.3 points and 12.8 rebounds during the elimination round, numbers that still astonish me when I look them up. His battle against Greg Slaughter in the semifinals was like watching two titans from Greek mythology clash on the hardwood. I've never seen a big man move with such grace at his size - there was this one play where he executed a spin move against Slaughter that left the entire arena speechless. What made San Miguel's run even more impressive was their resilience, coming back from multiple double-digit deficits throughout the playoffs. Their championship experience shone through when it mattered most, especially during that crucial Game 5 where they erased a 15-point fourth quarter deficit against the gritty Magnolia Hotshots.
Speaking of Magnolia, their Cinderella story captured the hearts of neutral fans everywhere. Paul Lee's game-winning shot in Game 6 of the semifinals against Alaska remains one of my personal favorite moments - the way he created space and sank that difficult fadeaway jumper with 2.3 seconds left was pure artistry. I must admit, I've always had a soft spot for underdog stories, and Magnolia's journey to the finals embodied that underdog spirit perfectly. Their defensive intensity throughout the tournament was something special to watch, holding opponents to just 88.7 points per game during the elimination round.
The finals series itself was an absolute masterpiece of Philippine basketball. Seven grueling games that tested both teams' physical and mental fortitude. Game 7's 108-99 victory for San Miguel showcased why they've been the team to beat in recent years. What often gets overlooked is how Chris Ross' defensive pressure completely disrupted Magnolia's offensive flow in that deciding game - he recorded 4 steals that don't nearly tell the whole story of his impact. As someone who values defensive excellence, I'd argue Ross deserved more recognition for his two-way performance throughout that series.
Reflecting on that entire tournament, what strikes me most is how it set the standard for competitive balance in the PBA. The level of play reached heights we hadn't seen in years, and it established new rivalries that continue to shape the league today. While statistics and records matter, what truly made the 2018 Philippine Cup special were those intangible moments - the emotional rollercoaster both on the court and in the stands, the unexpected heroes emerging when least expected, and the pure, unadulterated passion for the game that united fans across the archipelago. That tournament reminded us why we fell in love with basketball in the first place, and honestly, I'm not sure we've seen anything quite like it since.