Same teams. Same imports. For the first time since 2016—when San Miguel and Alaska clashed in back-to-back finals—the TNT Tropang GIGA and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings are set to battle once again.
This isn’t new territory for the PBA. The league’s first six championships featured the Crispa Redmanizers and Toyota Super Corollas, with the Redmanizers securing their first Grand Slam in the last three—capped off by the 1976 All-Philippine Championship. The two rivals would meet again in consecutive finals during the 1980 All-Filipino Conference and the 1981 Open Conference. Then, in 1983, Crispa went back-to-back against Great Taste Coffee Makers in the Reinforced Conference and the Open Conference, paving the way for their second Grand Slam.
The trend continued when San Miguel faced Shell in the 1988 Reinforced Conference—before the Oilers even had Benjie Paras and the 1989 Open Conference, the championship that kicked off San Miguel's Grand Slam run. Fast forward to the mid-'90s: Alaska won the 1994 Governors’ Cup, but Sunkist responded by sweeping them in the 1995 All-Filipino Cup and Commissioner’s Cup. Alaska almost won their second grand slam in 1998, beating San Miguel in the All-Filipino Cup and Commissioner’s Cup.
Then came the 2005-06 season—Red Bull took the 2005-06 Fiesta Conference, while Purefoods won the 2005-06 Philippine Cup. And finally, the last time we saw consecutive finals matchups? San Miguel vs. Alaska in the 2015 PBA Governors’ Cup and the 2015-16 PBA Philippine Cup.
Now, history repeats itself.
TNT vs. Ginebra.
In back-to-back finals.
Yeah.
When TNT was heavily involved in Gilas Pilipinas preparations, championships were hard to come by. Now, the same can be said for Ginebra, which has the bulk of the national team players. In the last four conferences, TNT has claimed two titles, while Ginebra's last championship came in the 2022-23 PBA Commissioner’s Cup against the Bay Area Dragons.
Fatigue could be a major factor for Ginebra. Tim Cone, Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, and Jamie Malonzo have all juggled duties with Gilas. That said, the Kings did get a boost with Malonzo, Jeremiah Gray, and the key midseason acquisition of Troy Rosario—who happens to be a former Chot Reyes player. Meanwhile, TNT will have to face Ginebra without Jayson Castro, who is sidelined with an injury.
Despite Gilas Pilipinas struggling in the February window, Ginebra still made quick work of NorthPort, taking the series 4-1. TNT’s path wasn’t as smooth, as Rain or Shine pushed them to the limit. Brownlee remains Ginebra’s top weapon, but he has yet to defeat Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in a finals matchup. However, Brownlee has a deeper supporting cast, whereas RHJ will have to do more heavy lifting for TNT.
Cone, known for his tight rotations, has the luxury of deploying shock troopers when needed. TNT has depth as well, but they lack the likes of LA Tenorio, Gray, Nard Pinto, Aljon Mariano, and Maverick Ahanmisi. And with Chot Reyes possibly needing to throw rookie and former Perpetual star Jielo Razon against another former Perpetual star but also a one-time PBA MVP Scottie Thompson.
Regardless, this is shaping up to be an exciting series. Say what you will about SMC’s history with farm teams, but it’s been a while since they last lifted a trophy. And Ginebra? They’re still the crowd favorites. I can see this series going the full seven games—but if it does, that’s not good news for Barangay Ginebra.