Final Faceoff

The stage is set for a thrilling showdown as ArenaPlus joins the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in presenting the highly anticipated Philippine Cup Finals press conference, featuring rivals San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang 5G. Held last Friday in Pasig City, the event previewed what promises to be an intense championship series between two determined squads—each with a different mission but the same goal: to take home the title.

For the Beermen, redemption is top of mind after falling short in last year’s Philippine Cup. Led by veteran coach Leo Austria, the team is focused on reclaiming its dominance, though Austria insists their aim isn’t to derail TNT’s grand slam hopes, but to simply win the crown. “We’re not here to stop their ambition. We’re here to win games and eventually win the championship,” he shared.

Meanwhile, TNT’s path to the finals has been anything but easy. Despite claiming both the Commissioner’s and Governor’s Cup earlier in the season, their roster has been riddled with injuries. Key players like Jayson Castro, Rey Nambatac, and Kelly Williams are sidelined, while RR Pogoy and Calvin Oftana continue to nurse injuries. Still, coach Chot Reyes remains confident, pointing to his team’s resilience and unshakable mindset. “We’ve given ourselves a chance. We know how strong our opponents are, but we’ll just keep fighting—just like we always have,” Reyes said.

The press conference also highlighted the mutual respect between the two coaching staff. Despite TNT’s setbacks, Austria acknowledges the team’s competitive fire: “Even with all their injuries, they’re still in the finals. That alone shows how tough they are.”

With ArenaPlus backing the event, the PBA Finals are shaping up to be more than just a battle for the cup—they’re a showcase of heart, grit, and championship-level basketball.

Games 1 to 3 tip off at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on July 13, 16, and 18, with Game 4 scheduled at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on July 20. As fans gear up for an epic series, one question remains: Sino ang mas astig? The answer awaits on the court.