Relive the Top 10 Unforgettable Moments from the 2017-18 PBA Season

Looking back at the 2017-18 PBA season still gives me chills—it was one of those rare campaigns where every conference delivered drama, breakout performances, and moments that genuinely redefined Philippine basketball. I remember sitting courtside for several games that year, feeling the electric atmosphere as underdogs rose, veterans defied age, and teams scripted comebacks that left us all breathless. From June Mar Fajardo’s relentless dominance to the emergence of young guns who weren’t afraid to challenge the status quo, this season had it all. And while I’ve followed the PBA for over a decade, what stood out in 2017-18 was how seamlessly the league balanced legacy and reinvention—something I believe future seasons can learn from.

One unforgettable moment burned into my memory was the San Miguel Beermen’s Philippine Cup finals run, where they captured their fourth consecutive All-Filipino crown. It wasn’t just the trophy lift that resonated; it was Game 5 of the finals, when Alex Cabagnot sank that cold-blooded jumper in the dying seconds against the Magnolia Hotshots. I recall turning to a fellow reporter and saying, “He’s done it again.” Cabagnot’s clutch gene and the Beermen’s composure under pressure underscored why they were, in my opinion, the gold standard for consistency. On the stats sheet, San Miguel averaged 104.3 points per game during that series, but numbers alone don’t capture the sheer will they displayed.

Then there was Barangay Ginebra’s Commissioner’s Cup victory, which felt like a tribute to their never-say-die spirit. Justin Brownlee was, as always, phenomenal—his game-winning triple in Game 4 was pure magic. But what struck me then, and what remains relevant today, was how their frontline held up despite visible gaps. Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar carried heavy minutes, but even then, you could sense the strain. Fast forward to now, and that concern has only deepened. Still, the past season has shown that Ginebra’s frontline can use some upgrade following the departure of Standhardinger and the injury that kept Isaac Go out of action since his arrival via trade with Terrafirma last season. So let’s hope that changes. Watching them in 2017-18, I kept thinking, “If only they had one more reliable big man,” and that thought echoes louder today.

Another highlight was the rise of Matthew Wright and the Phoenix Fuel Masters. Wright dropped 38 points in a stunning upset over the TNT KaTropa, a performance that announced his arrival as a bona fide star. I’ve always admired players who elevate their teams single-handedly, and Wright’s shooting display that night—he hit 8 threes, if I recall correctly—was a masterclass. It wasn’t just about scoring; it was the confidence he injected into a franchise searching for identity. Speaking of emerging talents, Kiefer Ravena’s debut with the NLEX Road Warriors was another watershed moment. His 27-point, 12-assist outing in just his second game signaled a new era for homegrown guards. I remember arguing with colleagues about whether he was already top-five in his position—my answer was a resounding yes.

The Alaska Aces’ mid-season resurgence under Alex Compton also deserves a shoutout. After a shaky start, they strung together an 8-2 run in the eliminations, fueled by Vic Manuel’s “Muscle Man” heroics. Manuel averaged around 18.5 points during that stretch, and his footwork in the post was a thing of beauty. What made it special was how Compton’s system maximized role players—something I wish more coaches would emulate. On the flip side, the GlobalPort Batang Pier’s collapse in the Governor’s Cup was a tough watch. Despite Stanley Pringle’s brilliance (he put up 25.2 points per game in the conference), their defense faltered at crucial moments. I still think that team underachieved, given the talent on their roster.

Of course, no recap would be complete without mentioning the Beermen’s Grand Slam bid, which fell just short in the Commissioner’s Cup. They pushed the eventual champions, the Barangay Ginebra, to a deciding Game 7, where they lost by a mere 4 points. That series exposed their reliance on Fajardo, who logged 38 minutes per game despite nagging injuries. In hindsight, maybe they should’ve managed his minutes better—but then again, it’s easy for me to say from the sidelines. The rivalry between Ginebra and San Miguel that year felt like a classic boxing match, with each team trading blows until the final bell.

From a league-wide perspective, the 2017-18 season also saw attendance records shattered, with the Philippine Arena drawing over 36,000 fans for one of the finals games. That number, while impressive, only tells part of the story. The energy in that stadium was palpable—a mix of nostalgia and hope that I haven’t felt as strongly in recent years. It’s moments like these that remind me why I fell in love with covering the PBA. As we look ahead, I can’t help but feel that the league needs to recapture that balance between veteran leadership and youthful exuberance. Teams like Ginebra, for instance, must address their frontcourt issues head-on to stay competitive. But for now, reliving these 10 unforgettable moments—from Cabagnot’s dagger to Ravena’s arrival—offers a blueprint for what makes Philippine basketball truly special. Here’s to hoping the next season brings just as much magic.