San Miguel finds itself in a rare position where there's a chance for PBA Philippine Cup redemption and a chance to once again deny TNT of a historic Grand Slam.
San Miguel is eyeing redemption after missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade last conference, and ceding the PBA Philippine Cup crown to Meralco last season.
Those are just two things that motivate the Beermen to do better with nine-time champion coach Leo Austria back at the helm.
[RELATED STORY: Out to repeat history? Austria says SMB only eyeing redemption vs Grand Slam-seeking TNT]
And there’s no better way for San Miguel to bounce back than to win the championship in the conference it has dominated the past 10 years.
Standing in the Beermen’s way, however, is the Grand-Slam seeking TNT.
One Sports delves into the way that will allow the Beermen to reclaim lost glory in the Philippine Cup Finals.
Veterans steady the ship
When nothing is going their way, the Beermen can always count on their seasoned players like Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter to stabilize everything.
It turned out, Ross can still pull off a “Playoff Ross” moment whenever San Miguel needs, just like in Game 7 of the semifinals against Ginebra.
Meanwhile, Lassiter produced a team-high 11 three-pointers in the entire semis, proving time and again he remains deadly from long range.
[ALSO READ: San Miguel star Cjay Perez dedicates PBA PH Cup Finals to aspiring hoopers from provinces]
Mo needs to up his game
With June Mar Fajardo still not at full strength due to nagging leg injuries, Mo Tautuaa will need to do a better job holding the fort inside the paint whenever the eight-time MVP is on the bench.
In the semifinals, Tautuaa only averaged 6.14 points and 4.29 rebounds. An improvement in those figures will certainly go a long way for San Miguel against a TNT squad that also has a depleted frontline.
A great game or two from Mo could also mean more time to rest and heal for Fajardo, giving San Miguel's star center enough juice to hopefully close out the series with a win.
[ALSO READ: Will RR Pogoy suit up for TNT Tropang 5G in Game 1 of PBA Finals vs San Miguel Beermen?]
June Mar Fajardo’s health
Though the Beermen have a wealth of talent in their roster, it still boils down to Fajardo. June Mar remains the focal point of SMB’s offense even with the presence of guys like CJay Perez, Don Trollano, and Juami Tiongson.
Though playing hurt with calf and now hamstring issues, Fajardo still norms 12.57 points 15.14 rebounds, 3.43 assists, and 1.14 blocks in over 32 minutes of action.
Wherever the Kraken goes, the rest of the Beermen follow and that will be the case in these Finals.
[ALSO READ: Kelly Williams remains doubtful for TNT in PBA Philippine Cup Finals vs San Miguel]