The 2025 PBA Philippine Cup Finals is shaping up to be a story of dominance versus determination. As of July 20, the San Miguel Beermen have taken a strong 3–1 lead over the TNT Tropang Giga, moving just one win away from another championship. This series has revealed not just the skill gap between the two squads but also the grit and fight from a TNT team that refuses to give in, even while battling a wave of injuries.

San Miguel has been nearly flawless throughout the Finals. Led by the ever-reliable June Mar Fajardo, the Beermen have shown why they continue to be one of the league’s most feared and respected franchises. Fajardo, in particular, has been a force to reckon with—dominating the paint, drawing double-teams, and creating open opportunities for his teammates. In Game 3, he posted an impressive 33 points and 11 rebounds in a blowout win. That momentum carried into Game 4, where San Miguel won again convincingly, 105–91.

But San Miguel’s success isn’t just about one player. The entire team has looked locked in. CJ Perez has provided speed and scoring, while veterans like Chris Ross have contributed with defense and smart decision-making. The Beermen are deep, experienced, and well-coached by Leo Austria, who has masterfully managed his rotations and adjusted strategies throughout the series.

On the other side, TNT has had a tough ride. Injuries to key players like Jayson Castro, Poy Erram, and Rey Nambatac have hurt their chances from the start. With limited depth, Coach Chot Reyes has had to rely on role players to step up, which is never easy in a Finals environment. Players like Glenn Khobuntin have done their best to fill the gap, but the absence of TNT’s stars has been felt in almost every possession, on both ends of the court.

Despite the challenges, TNT has shown heart. They continue to compete, trying to find ways to slow down San Miguel and manufacture offense. But without their key playmakers and rim protectors, they’re struggling to keep up. Their defense hasn’t been able to contain Fajardo, and their offense has lacked rhythm and spacing. Turnovers and missed rebounds have become costly, especially against a team that knows how to capitalize on every mistake.

Game 5 is now a must-win for TNT. Set to take place on July 23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, it will be their last chance to extend the series and keep their title hopes alive. If they want to stay in the fight, they’ll need to play nearly perfect basketball—taking care of the ball, hitting outside shots, and finding a way to limit Fajardo’s impact. It won’t be easy, but as we’ve seen in past PBA Finals, anything can happen when a team plays with nothing to lose.

For San Miguel, Game 5 is a chance to end the series and add another trophy to their already crowded case. A win would not only cement their dominance this season but also remind the league that their reign is far from over.

In the end, this series is more than just basketball. It’s a battle between a team chasing another chapter of greatness and another team fighting with everything they’ve got just to stay alive. Whether it ends in five games or stretches further, the 2025 PBA Finals has already delivered excitement, drama, and the kind of passion that Filipino fans love.