Looking back at 2019, I still get chills remembering how the PBA delivered some of the most electrifying basketball we've seen in years. As someone who’s followed the league for over a decade, I can confidently say that last season was special—not just for the sheer talent on display, but for the unforgettable moments that had fans on the edge of their seats. From buzzer-beaters to gritty defensive stands, the year was packed with matchups that defined careers and shifted championship narratives. I want to walk you through my personal picks for the top PBA fights of 2019, blending knockout performances and championship highlights that, in my view, set a new standard for excitement in Philippine basketball.
Let’s kick things off with Game 1 of the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup Finals between San Miguel Beermen and the Magnolia Hotshots. Honestly, I went into that series expecting San Miguel to dominate, but what unfolded was a masterclass in resilience. The Beermen, led by June Mar Fajardo—who, by the way, was an absolute beast all season—faced a Magnolia squad that just wouldn’t back down. I remember watching that first game and thinking, "This is going to be a dogfight." And it was. San Miguel’s keys to victory were clear: control the paint, limit turnovers, and let Fajardo feast inside. But Magnolia had other plans, pushing the pace and forcing San Miguel into uncharacteristic mistakes. In the end, the Beermen pulled off a 99-94 win, thanks largely to Fajardo’s 28 points and 16 rebounds. For me, that game set the tone for the entire finals—it was physical, emotionally charged, and showcased why San Miguel’s experience in high-pressure situations is almost unmatched.
Another fight that stands out in my memory is the Commissioner’s Cup semifinal clash between TNT KaTropa and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. This one had everything: a dramatic comeback, controversial calls, and a game-winner that left everyone speechless. I’ve always admired how TNT’s backcourt, with Jayson Castro and Terrence Jones, can just take over when it matters. In Game 2 of that series, TNT was down by as much as 12 points in the fourth quarter, and I’ll admit, I thought they were done. But Jones, who finished with 37 points and 12 rebounds, put the team on his back and drilled a step-back three with under 10 seconds left. It was pure magic. From my perspective, Rain or Shine’s downfall was their inability to adjust defensively down the stretch—they relied too heavily on double-teams, which left shooters open on the perimeter. TNT capitalized, and that 105-103 victory ultimately propelled them to the finals. It’s matches like these that remind me why I love the PBA; the intensity is just off the charts.
Of course, no discussion of 2019’s top fights would be complete without mentioning the Governors’ Cup Finals between Barangay Ginebra and the Meralco Bolts. This rivalry has produced some classics, and last year’s showdown was no exception. I’ve got a soft spot for Ginebra—their "never say die" attitude resonates with fans, including me—and watching Justin Brownlee work his magic never gets old. In Game 4, with the series tied 1-1, Ginebra delivered what I consider one of the most complete team performances of the year. They dominated the boards, outrebounding Meralco 52-40, and their ball movement was crisp, resulting in 28 assists. Brownlee dropped 32 points, but it was LA Tenorio’s clutch shooting in the final minutes that sealed the 94-72 blowout. From where I sit, Meralco’s key weakness was their overreliance on Allen Durham; when Ginebra locked him down, the Bolts struggled to find secondary scoring. That game wasn’t just a win—it was a statement, and it fueled Ginebra’s eventual championship run.
Shifting gears to the knockout matches, I have to highlight the do-or-die game between the NorthPort Batang Pier and the NLEX Road Warriors in the quarterfinals of the Commissioner’s Cup. This was an underrated gem, in my opinion, because it showcased emerging stars like Robert Bolick, who’s quickly become one of my favorite players to watch. NorthPort was trailing by 5 points with less than two minutes left, and the energy in the arena was electric. Bolick, playing through an injury, nailed back-to-back threes to force overtime, finishing with 25 points and 9 assists. What impressed me most was NorthPort’s composure; they executed their sets flawlessly under pressure, while NLEX seemed to crumble, turning the ball over 18 times. The final score, 112-108, doesn’t fully capture how back-and-forth this battle was. For fans who appreciate heart and hustle, this match was a perfect example—it proved that in the PBA, no lead is safe, and young talent can shine when it matters most.
As I reflect on these highlights, it’s clear that 2019 was a year defined by individual brilliance and team chemistry. Whether it was San Miguel’s dominance, TNT’s resilience, or Ginebra’s passion, each fight offered something unique. From a broader perspective, I believe these matches elevated the league’s appeal, drawing in casual viewers and die-hard fans alike. Sure, there were moments I disagreed with—like some questionable refereeing in the Rain or Shine series—but overall, the quality of play was exceptional. If there’s one takeaway, it’s that the PBA’s ability to produce nail-biting finishes and unforgettable stories is what keeps us coming back. Here’s to hoping 2020 brings even more fireworks, though I doubt anything will top the magic of last year’s knockout matches and championship drama.