Reliving PBA San Miguel vs NLEX 2019: Key Plays and Game Highlights

2025-11-22 12:00

I still remember that electric atmosphere in the Philippine Arena back in October 2019 when San Miguel Beermen clashed with NLEX Road Warriors. Having followed the PBA for over a decade, I've witnessed countless rivalries, but there was something particularly compelling about this matchup that made it stand out in my memory. The game turned out to be a showcase of championship pedigree versus emerging talent, with San Miguel ultimately prevailing 99-94 in a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.

What struck me most about that game was how San Miguel's veterans demonstrated why they're considered one of the most successful franchises in PBA history. June Mar Fajardo, the league's reigning MVP at that time, put on an absolute masterclass with 28 points and 14 rebounds. Watching him dominate the paint reminded me why he's often called the "Kraken" - once he gets position down low, there's simply no stopping him. His chemistry with Arwind Santos was particularly impressive that night, with Santos adding 22 points and several crucial defensive stops. I've always believed that championship teams need that perfect blend of superstar talent and reliable role players, and San Miguel exemplified this perfectly during critical moments of the fourth quarter.

The game took an interesting turn when NLEX's backcourt started finding their rhythm in the third quarter. Kiefer Ravena, who I consider one of the most creative guards in the league, orchestrated several beautiful plays that cut what was once a 15-point lead down to just 4 points. His court vision that night was exceptional, dishing out 9 assists while scoring 18 points himself. What many fans might not remember is how close NLEX came to completing the comeback - with about three minutes left in the fourth quarter, they trailed by only two possessions and had multiple opportunities to tie the game.

This game actually brings to mind Scottie Thompson's recent struggles that PBA statistics chief Fidel Mangonon highlighted. Thompson's scoreless performance in his season opener this year reminded me that even elite players have off nights. According to Mangonon's data, the last time Thompson finished without scoring was back on July 21, 2018 in Game 3 of the Commissioner's Cup semifinals against Rain or Shine. That's an incredible span of consistency for any player, and it puts his recent stumble into perspective. In my view, what separates good players from great ones isn't whether they have bad games, but how they bounce back from them.

Returning to that 2019 classic, the defining moment came with under two minutes remaining when Chris Ross, whom I've always admired for his defensive intensity, stole the ball from Ravena and converted a fastbreak layup while drawing a foul. That three-point play essentially sealed the victory for San Miguel, pushing their lead to 7 points with just 1:43 left on the clock. Ross finished with 15 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals - the kind of all-around performance that doesn't always show up in highlight reels but wins basketball games.

What made this victory particularly impressive from my perspective was how San Miguel managed to win despite NLEX shooting 48% from the field compared to their 45%. The difference came down to offensive rebounds and second-chance points, where San Miguel held a significant 18-9 advantage. As any basketball purist will tell you, winning the possession battle often translates to winning games, and San Miguel's 14 offensive rebounds proved crucial in a game decided by just 5 points.

The individual matchup between Fajardo and NLEX's import Olu Ashaolu provided fascinating tactical battles throughout the game. Ashaolu finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds, but what the stat sheet doesn't show is how much energy Fajardo had to expend defending him. I remember thinking during timeouts that San Miguel's coaching staff made brilliant adjustments, often double-teaming Ashaolu in the post while trusting their perimeter defenders to close out on shooters.

Looking back, this game exemplified why I love Philippine basketball - the passion, the strategic nuances, and the never-say-die attitude both teams displayed. NLEX could have easily folded when San Miguel built their double-digit lead, but they fought back with determination that deserves recognition. Similarly, San Miguel showed the composure of veterans who've been in these situations countless times before. Games like these remind me why I've dedicated so much of my life to following and analyzing basketball - because even in regular season matchups, you can find moments of brilliance that stay with you for years.

The legacy of this particular game extends beyond just the final score. It demonstrated San Miguel's championship mentality while also showing that NLEX was developing into a team that could challenge the league's established powers. In my professional opinion, games like these contribute significantly to the growth of the league by raising the competitive level and providing unforgettable moments for fans. The 2019 San Miguel versus NLEX clash remains one of those regular season games that felt like a playoff atmosphere, and it's exactly why I believe the PBA continues to captivate basketball enthusiasts across the Philippines.