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| This is the fifth Finals meeting between San Miguel and TNT since 2010. The Beermen holds a 4-1 advantage. |
The 2025 PBA Philippine Cup Finals is shaping up to be one of the most electrifying title duels in recent memory as the San Miguel Beermen and the TNT Tropang Giga collide in a best-of-seven series that begins Friday, July 12, at the Araneta Coliseum. With the Cup on the line—and legacies on the brink—this is more than just a championship. This is a war of dynasties, pride, and redemption.
Beermen Back with a Vengeance
After falling short in the last All-Filipino tournament, the San Miguel Beermen are back with a full arsenal—and one clear mission: reclaim dominance.
Led by the league’s most dominant force, June Mar Fajardo, the Beermen flexed their muscle in the semifinals, overpowering crowd-favorite Barangay Ginebra in a decisive Game 6. Fajardo is back in MVP form, averaging a double-double while anchoring the paint like it’s 2017 all over again. Alongside him, the explosive CJ Perez, steady Marcio Lassiter, and a rejuvenated Rodney Brondial round out a roster that’s battle-tested and hungry.
But beyond talent, San Miguel is playing with fire. After last year’s heartbreak, Coach Leo Austria has his team laser-focused, stating, “We’re not just back—we’re better. Every game is war, and we’re built for war.”
TNT Eyes Redemption and a Grand Slam
Across the hardwood stands a TNT squad that has tasted glory—and is now chasing immortality.
The Tropang Giga, fresh off championships in the Commissioner’s Cup and the Governors’ Cup, are now in position to capture the elusive PBA Grand Slam—a feat not accomplished since San Miguel did it in 1989. Only three teams have done it in PBA history, and TNT is looking to etch its name alongside them.
TNT’s campaign has been fueled by unrelenting defense, clutch shot-making, and the leadership of RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, and Jayson Castro—the latter now playing with the heart of a veteran and the urgency of a retiring legend. Their semifinal victory over Rain or Shine was a statement: this team knows how to finish.
Coach Jojo Lastimosa emphasized the challenge ahead: “We know how good San Miguel is. They’re a dynasty. But we’re not here just to participate—we’re here to make history.”
What’s at Stake
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For San Miguel: A return to the top of the All-Filipino throne, and the continuation of their proud legacy.
For TNT: A chance to become only the fourth team in PBA history to complete a Grand Slam—sweeping all three conferences in a single season.
Finals Schedule at a Glance (All at Smart Araneta Coliseum)
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Game 1: Friday, July 12
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Game 2: Sunday, July 14
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Game 3: Wednesday, July 17
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Game 4: Friday, July 19
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Game 5: Sunday, July 21 (if necessary)
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Game 6: Wednesday, July 24 (if necessary)
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Game 7: Friday, July 26 (if necessary)
Tale of the Tape
| Category | San Miguel | TNT |
|---|---|---|
| Championships | 28 titles | 9 titles |
| Coach | Leo Austria | Jojo Lastimosa |
| Star Player | June Mar Fajardo | RR Pogoy |
| Finals Motivation | Redemption | Grand Slam |
The storylines are rich, the rosters are loaded, and the hunger is real. For San Miguel, it’s about legacy restoration. For TNT, it’s chasing greatness on a historic scale.
Who will rise? Who will crumble? And who will write their name in bold across PBA history?
Grab your popcorn, PBA fans.
The Finals are here—where legends are born, and dynasties collide.