The 2024–25 PBA Philippine Cup playoffs are set. Only eight teams remain, and every quarterfinal pairing looks destined to be a true-blue dogfight. In fact, don’t be surprised if a couple of series go to a decider—and if one or two lower seeds pull off upsets. That being the case, the fate of each team might ultimately be decided by one player—the so-called X-factor who can swing a game for better or for worse.
With that being said, Rebanse pored over game tapes, reviewed the stats, and checked out every team’s recent playoffs history with one aim in mind: Identify that one potential X-factor for every franchise that made it to the 2024–25 PBA Philippine Cup playoffs.
(1) San Miguel Beermen vs. (8) Meralco Bolts
San Miguel – Juami Tiongson
(10.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 43.4% 3PT)
Between June Mar Fajardo’s sublime greatness and CJay Perez’s offensive unpredictability, the Beermen need a calming presence, and that’s exactly what Tiongson will be asked to provide during these PBA Philippine Cup playoffs. That and a lot of good shooting to free up San Miguel’s two biggest weapons and just enough defense to not let Chris Banchero and Aaron Black—Tiongson’s likely matchups—score in bunches.
Meralco – Brandon Bates
(3.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 0.8 blocks, 51.3% 2PT)
Meralco’s bigs will need to at least make life hard for the eight-time MVP if Meralco will have a chance at shocking the Beermen—and Bates has the most height and heft to do just that. He had his moments in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup Finals against San Miguel, and he will need more of them in fewer games in the PBA Philippine Cup playoffs. Granted, no one is stopping The Kraken one-on-one, but Bates can certainly make him work on both ends.
(2) NLEX Road Warriors vs. (7) Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
NLEX – Xyrus Torres
(12.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 50% 3PT)
Torres has emerged as a perfect complement to Robert Bolick as a floor spacer who’s good enough to make plays off the dribble from time to time. His nearly three makes from downtown on a 50% clip is proof of such marksmanship, and it’ll certainly come in handy against the gung-ho, run-and-gun style of Rain or Shine. Put simply, Torres will get his looks. How many he makes might decide NLEX’s fate in these PBA Philippine Cup playoffs.
Rain or Shine – Caelan Tiongson
(12.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 47.9%2PT)
Tiongson is the closest to an inside presence Rain or Shine has at the moment. That means he’ll need to match NLEX’s rugged and hardworking frontline of JB Bahio, Brandon Ramirez, and Anthony Semerad—something Keith Datu probably isn’t ready for just yet. Tiongson getting rebounds and scoring in the paint—or anywhere else for that matter—should help Rain or Shine impose its style on NLEX.
(3) Magnolia Hotshots vs. (6) TNT Tropang 5G
Magnolia – Will Navarro
(20.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 52.5% 2PT)
Yes, Navarro is a 20-10 guy, but that’s mostly with the NorthPort Batang Pier. He has largely underperformed in his three games with Magnolia, only getting to double-digits in the Hotshots’ crucial win over TNT. He’ll need to be in superlative form starting in the quarters of the PBA Philppine Cup playoffs if Magnolia is to have any chance at stonewalling the Tropa’s bid for a Grand Slam. The good news for Magnolia is that Navarro has the talent for that.
TNT – Jordan Heading
(11.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 37.5% 3PT)
Don’t let Heading’s modest numbers fool you. He’s a bucket-getter and difference-maker, and a return to form would give TNT another weapon to break down that usually stingy Magnolia defense. He’s been brought along rather slowly after dealing with a bad back, but expect Chot Reyes to lean more on the sweet-shooting lefty, especially with Commissioners’ Cup Finals MVP Rey Nambatac coming off his own injury.
(4) Barangay Ginebra San Miguel vs. (5) Converge FiberXers
Ginebra – Stephen Holt
(14.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 43.3% 3PT)
Holt’s 27-point, 12-rebound outing against Rain or Shine was a timely reminder of his pedigree. He just hasn’t been consistent, particularly offensively. More often than not, he chooses his spots and is content on taking catch-and-shoot triples off the triangle. He’ll need to be more assertive in the PBA Philippine Cup playoffs if Ginebra is to make another deep postseason push starting with Converge.
Converge – Alec Stockton
(15.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 40.1% 2PT)
It used to be Stockton was an emerging superstar. He still might be if he can put his inconsistent play in the elims behind him. Stockton, when focused, engaged, and in control is a singular talent—the kind who can win games with superb two-way play. He hasn’t flashed that kind of brilliance in this conference, likely due to his fluctuating minutes and the puzzling ways Converge has used him. There’s still time for him to make up for lost time in these PBA Philippine Cup playoffs.
2024–25 PBA Philippine Cup Playoffs: Schedule, Venues, and Where to Watch
The 2024–25 PBA Philippine Cup playoffs begin on Wednesday, June 18, with a double-header at the PhilSports Arena. The first game will be between NLEX and Rain or Shine, while the second game will pit Magnolia against TNT. Game 2 for either series (or both even) will be on Saturday, June 21, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, if necessary.
Game 1s of the other bracket will be on Friday, June 20, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. San Miguel takes on Meralco in the first game, followed by Ginebra and Converge facing off in the main game. Game 2, if necessary, will be on Sunday, June 22, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, if necessary.
Fans can watch the 2024–25 PBA Philippine Cup playoffs on RPTV or on YouTube for livestreams.
