I still get chills thinking about that incredible 2018 PBA Philippine Cup Championship series. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I can confidently say it was one of the most electrifying finals I've ever witnessed. The tension between San Miguel Beermen and the Magnolia Hotshots had been building throughout the season, and when they finally clashed in the championship, it delivered everything fans had been hoping for and more. What made it particularly special was how both teams had been building toward this moment - much like how we're seeing PLDT and Chery Tiggo developing their rivalry today in the preseason matches.

The series opener set the tone perfectly. San Miguel came out swinging with June Mar Fajardo dominating the paint, but Magnolia's Paul Lee responded with clutch shooting that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. I remember watching Game 1 thinking this would be a quick series, but boy was I wrong. The back-and-forth nature of those first three games showed just how evenly matched these teams were. Statistics from that series still impress me - Fajardo averaged 22.8 points and 14.2 rebounds throughout the finals, numbers that still hold up as phenomenal even by today's standards. What many casual fans might not remember is how Chris Ross' defensive efforts created numerous transition opportunities that ultimately made the difference in close games.

Game 4 particularly stands out in my memory. With the series tied 2-2, the intensity reached another level entirely. I recall sitting in the arena, the atmosphere so charged you could practically feel the electricity in the air. Marcio Lassiter's three-point shooting in that game was simply sublime - he hit 6 of 9 from beyond the arc, including two crucial ones in the final quarter that broke Magnolia's spirit. From my perspective, that was the turning point of the entire series. While San Miguel had the star power, Magnolia's team chemistry was remarkable. Their defensive schemes, especially the trapping defense they employed against Fajardo, showed incredible preparation and discipline.

The final game was an absolute masterpiece of Philippine basketball. Going into the fourth quarter with just a three-point lead, San Miguel demonstrated why they were reigning champions. Their experience in high-pressure situations shone through when it mattered most. Alex Cabagnot's leadership down the stretch was something I'll never forget - his decision-making in the final minutes was nearly flawless. What many analysts overlook is how Arwind Santos' defensive versatility allowed San Miguel to switch effectively against Magnolia's perimeter players. This strategic adjustment, implemented midway through the series, proved decisive in the championship clincher.

Watching these historic matches makes me appreciate how rivalries evolve in Philippine basketball. The pattern we saw between San Miguel and Magnolia mirrors what we're witnessing now with emerging preseason rivalries. Speaking of which, the upcoming preseason finals grudge match between newly-crowned preseason champion PLDT and Chery Tiggo at 6:30 p.m. promises to continue this tradition of intense competition. These preseason contests often set the stage for what we'll see in the regular season, and based on what I've observed, both teams have been building something special. PLDT's ball movement has been exceptional this preseason, while Chery Tiggo's defensive intensity reminds me of classic PBA teams.

Reflecting on that 2018 championship, what strikes me most is how it represented the perfect blend of individual brilliance and team execution. While Fajardo rightly earned Finals MVP honors, I've always believed that Chris Ross' contributions were equally vital to their success. His 3.8 steals per game in the finals created numerous extra possessions that don't always show up in the highlight reels but absolutely determined the outcome. The legacy of that series continues to influence how teams approach the Philippine Cup today. Coaches still study those games for insights into managing playoff pressure and making in-series adjustments.

The beauty of Philippine basketball lies in these narratives that develop over seasons. Just as the 2018 Phil Cup gave us unforgettable moments between established rivals, today's matchups like PLDT versus Chery Tiggo are creating new chapters in our basketball history. Having followed these developments closely, I'm convinced that these preseason games matter more than casual fans might think. They establish psychological edges and set tactical precedents that carry into the regular season. The 6:30 p.m. matchup tonight between PLDT and Chery Tiggo isn't just another preseason game - it's the continuation of a basketball tradition that makes our league so compelling to follow year after year.