Getting to the Philippine Basketball Association Finals never gets old.
Certainly not for San Miguel Beer.
For the fourth time in the last six conferences, the defending champion earned a berth in the finals, this time in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Continuing to dominate, the Beermen now have yet another chance to win a championship, possibly their second straight this season and fourth in the last five conferences.
After taking Game 4 of their best-of-five semifinals clash against Alaska, 104-99, last Sunday night, San Miguel finished off the Aces, 3-1, to move four games away from retaining the crown.
Despite starting out the conference with a 0-3 record, the Beermen, in typical fashion, clawed their way to put themselves in a good position for more glory.
“The players are really focused. They all want to win another championship and now, we have a chance again,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria, who will now be seeking his seventh championship. This current core of players had already taken home six titles over the last four seasons. “It feels good to be back in the finals again.”
“Masaya na naka-balik kami sa finals kahit hindi naging madali. Target namin ulit maka-kuha ng championship,” said Beermen superstar June Mar Fajardo.
The Beermen will now await who their opponent is in the best-of-seven finale.
That can either be Barangay Ginebra or Rain or Shine, who continue to gut it out over in the other semis pairing.
As of this report, the Gin Kings, ahead 2-1, are looking to close out the Elasto Painters in Game 4 to set a date with the Beermen.
Overall, San Miguel earned its 40th finals appearance in its rich franchise history.