2022–23 PBA Commissioner's Cup

[bisdak40]

The first game is over and the Phoenix Fuel Masters have avoided getting eliminated today. They came back from a huge deficit with a good run in the 2nd half. At some point, they are down 20 points but their strong come back in the 3rd quarter changes the momentum in their favor until the end of the game.

Final score 103-85... Huge win, who would expect they'll beat the Magnolia by 18 points.  This team does fight in every game they have, they might win game 4 and make this series very interesting. Everyone was contributing but it was Jazul's  3 straight 3 point shots IIRC that gave the team a good lead and Magnolia were not able to come back anymore. Magnolia always play phyisical, but tonight, Phoenix matches it and even outdone them on that area.

Lost my bet on that first game, I thought that was already in the bag for Magnolia when they led by 21 big points in the first half but kudos to Phoenix who didn't easily give up and climbed up to beat the Hotshots by 18 points.

I'm rooting for Ginebra to win this game 3 so that this series will be extended but as of now, the Beermen is leading 8 points, hope the Kings will come back and win this game just like what Phoenix did in the first game.

[mirakal]

The first game is over and the Phoenix Fuel Masters have avoided getting eliminated today. They came back from a huge deficit with a good run in the 2nd half. At some point, they are down 20 points but their strong come back in the 3rd quarter changes the momentum in their favor until the end of the game.

Final score 103-85... Huge win, who would expect they'll beat the Magnolia by 18 points.  This team does fight in every game they have, they might win game 4 and make this series very interesting. Everyone was contributing but it was Jazul's  3 straight 3 point shots IIRC that gave the team a good lead and Magnolia were not able to come back anymore. Magnolia always play phyisical, but tonight, Phoenix matches it and even outdone them on that area.

Lost my bet on that first game, I thought that was already in the bag for Magnolia when they led by 21 big points in the first half but kudos to Phoenix who didn't easily give up and climbed up to beat the Hotshots by 18 points.

The same thing happen in game 2, they were leading comfortably and then they allow the Phoenix to come back, good thing they survive but for bettors, we lose our bet as they didn't cover. Non of the last 3 games where Magnolia bettors cashed, sad but true.

I'm rooting for Ginebra to win this game 3 so that this series will be extended but as of now, the Beermen is leading 8 points, hope the Kings will come back and win this game just like what Phoenix did in the first game.

It looks good until Malonzo got injured, and it looks like he is not coming back anymore. But there's still time though, so good luck with your bet mate.
They are in the last quarter now, they need win that quarter in order to extend the series.

[dothebeats]

]I'm rooting for Ginebra to win this game 3 so that this series will be extended but as of now, the Beermen is leading 8 points, hope the Kings will come back and win this game just like what Phoenix did in the first game.

It looks good until Malonzo got injured, and it looks like he is not coming back anymore. But there's still time though, so good luck with your bet mate.
They are in the last quarter now, they need win that quarter in order to extend the series.

San Miguel just won this series and will proceed to the finals. It's something that I expected but not Ginebra never posting a single point in the run. I also rooted for Ginebra but man, their defense is so bad and their rotations are just read by SMB like a book. 94-91 is as close as it gets, but I felt like Ginebra could have snatched the win there if they mixed things up and played more offensively.

[mirakal]

]I'm rooting for Ginebra to win this game 3 so that this series will be extended but as of now, the Beermen is leading 8 points, hope the Kings will come back and win this game just like what Phoenix did in the first game.

It looks good until Malonzo got injured, and it looks like he is not coming back anymore. But there's still time though, so good luck with your bet mate.
They are in the last quarter now, they need win that quarter in order to extend the series.

San Miguel just won this series and will proceed to the finals. It's something that I expected but not Ginebra never posting a single point in the run. I also rooted for Ginebra but man, their defense is so bad and their rotations are just read by SMB like a book. 94-91 is as close as it gets, but I felt like Ginebra could have snatched the win there if they mixed things up and played more offensively.

Ginebra could not find their offense either from outside and inside. They have a good shooter which is Malonzo, but he was injured so they are only very limited trying to produce inside but there's JMF and the SMB's import who are willing to make the attacker's job so tough. I thought Ginebra would be able to use their advantage in the 4th when SMB was in early foul trouble but they just couldn't make a shot.

Now, with SMB going to the finals, it looks like they'll win the championship again this time, and their dominance will be back. And now, we know that Ginebra aren't a championship team without Justin Brownlee.

[Fredomago]

]I'm rooting for Ginebra to win this game 3 so that this series will be extended but as of now, the Beermen is leading 8 points, hope the Kings will come back and win this game just like what Phoenix did in the first game.

It looks good until Malonzo got injured, and it looks like he is not coming back anymore. But there's still time though, so good luck with your bet mate.
They are in the last quarter now, they need win that quarter in order to extend the series.

San Miguel just won this series and will proceed to the finals. It's something that I expected but not Ginebra never posting a single point in the run. I also rooted for Ginebra but man, their defense is so bad and their rotations are just read by SMB like a book. 94-91 is as close as it gets, but I felt like Ginebra could have snatched the win there if they mixed things up and played more offensively.

SMB's import plus JMF with the whole squad this team is really a tough team to beat same with you I'm also in the impression that Gin kings will not just let SMB to sweep them out in this semis considering that they are the defending Champ and with also the powerhouse squad, but it's simply showed out that SMB's desire to win is more dominant.

Congrats to all those who take the risk betting for SMB those who did not hesitate knowing that sister  company can ruined the bookies odds,  hehehe 😉

[Distinctin]

The first game is over and the Phoenix Fuel Masters have avoided getting eliminated today. They came back from a huge deficit with a good run in the 2nd half. At some point, they are down 20 points but their strong come back in the 3rd quarter changes the momentum in their favor until the end of the game.

Final score 103-85... Huge win, who would expect they'll beat the Magnolia by 18 points.  This team does fight in every game they have, they might win game 4 and make this series very interesting. Everyone was contributing but it was Jazul's  3 straight 3 point shots IIRC that gave the team a good lead and Magnolia were not able to come back anymore. Magnolia always play phyisical, but tonight, Phoenix matches it and even outdone them on that area.

That kind of rally is what they need to continue extending their chance though I can't deny that I'm bias in terms of siding myself with Magnolia and I think they still have the huge edge even they lose the game today, maybe not the night for them as they allow the Fuelmaster to dominate them both in offense and defense.

It will change the tempo especially if Fuelmaster will manage to duplicate the same system to win another game and push this series to a do-or-die game.

It's gonna be a fun series for sure. Winning game 4 will make it a do or die game in 5. I like the Phoenix though but I feel they don't stand a chance against the SMB who swept the defending champion ^{(if I'm not mistaken).} Phoenix have to prove though because if they win the next 2 games, that means they are deserving the face the SMB super team.

Next game will be SMB vs Ginebra, do or die for Ginebra.. Can their motto never say die could save them?

They need to win, and for my own analysis, PBA needs to push that win to keep the fans hahaha.. but, we never know what will be the outcome and how coach Tim will find way to extend this series, SMB's playing at their best so coach Tim need to find that missing link to re-organize his troops, they need this game badly to avoid getting swept in this semi-final match.

Unfortunately they can't match the SMB's offense who could go inside and outside, it was the import match up thought, SMB's import is just too good.

[Finestream]

The first game is over and the Phoenix Fuel Masters have avoided getting eliminated today. They came back from a huge deficit with a good run in the 2nd half. At some point, they are down 20 points but their strong come back in the 3rd quarter changes the momentum in their favor until the end of the game.

Final score 103-85... Huge win, who would expect they'll beat the Magnolia by 18 points.  This team does fight in every game they have, they might win game 4 and make this series very interesting. Everyone was contributing but it was Jazul's  3 straight 3 point shots IIRC that gave the team a good lead and Magnolia were not able to come back anymore. Magnolia always play phyisical, but tonight, Phoenix matches it and even outdone them on that area.

That kind of rally is what they need to continue extending their chance though I can't deny that I'm bias in terms of siding myself with Magnolia and I think they still have the huge edge even they lose the game today, maybe not the night for them as they allow the Fuelmaster to dominate them both in offense and defense.

It will change the tempo especially if Fuelmaster will manage to duplicate the same system to win another game and push this series to a do-or-die game.

It's gonna be a fun series for sure. Winning game 4 will make it a do or die game in 5. I like the Phoenix though but I feel they don't stand a chance against the SMB who swept the defending champion ^{(if I'm not mistaken).} Phoenix have to prove though because if they win the next 2 games, that means they are deserving the face the SMB super team.

We saw what the Phoenix can do, they are down 21 points but still able to come back and win double digit. This is a young but a very dangerous team, they don't rely so much on their import as the locals are also very confident. In terms of quickness and defense, they also have it, Tuffin for example is a good player and he is playing with the kind of physically being challenge on him. So, yes, expect this one to be an interesting seris.

Next game will be SMB vs Ginebra, do or die for Ginebra.. Can their motto never say die could save them?

They need to win, and for my own analysis, PBA needs to push that win to keep the fans hahaha.. but, we never know what will be the outcome and how coach Tim will find way to extend this series, SMB's playing at their best so coach Tim need to find that missing link to re-organize his troops, they need this game badly to avoid getting swept in this semi-final match.

Unfortunately they can't match the SMB's offense who could go inside and outside, it was the import match up thought, SMB's import is just too good.

The series is over for them. I thought it's a more exciting series than the other one, but it turns out SMB had dominated them in all 3 games. SMB is full of talents, starting from their import down to the locals, and no team could beat them, unless there's a "mekus2" that will happen.

[mirakal]

What would be the betting point spread for game 4 of Magnolia vs Phoenix? It doesn't look good for Magnolia on their last game, they seemed being figured out how to play in the 2nd half after being down big. Their confidence drop and their outside shooting cold off. Game 4 is still a do or die game for Phoenix, I expect that they'll play with the same energy to take a very important game. If Paul Lee are limited, their locals aren't producing too, and although they have big men but they could not dominate the paint, Williams was really tough although reportedly not 100% on that game, how much more if he was 100%.

Also, for Tyler Bhey, there was a information I heard from the commentators that his hand has a bit of an injury, but he played through it. so both import not 100%, that's a fair game, but the advantage was on Williams since he doesn't shoot the ball a lot, he just played some defense on the paint and grab the rebounds (offensive and defensive).

Maybe game 5 we still have Phoenix +5.5.

[Natalim]

Maybe game 5 we still have Phoenix +5.5.

They didn't change the opening line, it's still +7.5. I'm sure this will move down in the coming days as sure bettors will be happy to bet on the +7.5 after they beat Magnolia by double digits.  Watch out for the line movement but it's not wise to go against the trend,  the last 3 games belong to the Phoenix, you should bet on the handicap and moneyline.

[Fredomago]

Maybe game 5 we still have Phoenix +5.5.

They didn't change the opening line, it's still +7.5. I'm sure this will move down in the coming days as sure bettors will be happy to bet on the +7.5 after they beat Magnolia by double digits.  Watch out for the line movement but it's not wise to go against the trend,  the last 3 games belong to the Phoenix, you should bet on the handicap and moneyline.

If there's no adjustments that will happen with Magnolias game play maybe the trend will continue but knowing how good the system of Magnolia I have that impression that they will put this to an end, expecting domination from Magnolia this coming game 4 from both defense and offense, as they should not give SMB long time to rest while they are coming to finals with short rest.

Though just like what we pinoy always said "bilog and bola" the fate of the bettors are always in the hands of those players and coaching staff that will control the tempo of the game.

[Maslate]

Maybe game 5 we still have Phoenix +5.5.

They didn't change the opening line, it's still +7.5. I'm sure this will move down in the coming days as sure bettors will be happy to bet on the +7.5 after they beat Magnolia by double digits.  Watch out for the line movement but it's not wise to go against the trend,  the last 3 games belong to the Phoenix, you should bet on the handicap and moneyline.

If there's no adjustments that will happen with Magnolias game play maybe the trend will continue but knowing how good the system of Magnolia I have that impression that they will put this to an end, expecting domination from Magnolia this coming game 4 from both defense and offense, as they should not give SMB long time to rest while they are coming to finals with short rest.

Though just like what we pinoy always said "bilog and bola" the fate of the bettors are always in the hands of those players and coaching staff that will control the tempo of the game.

The problem with Magnolia is they are not good in making in game adjustments. It's on the last two games where they start strong, take a big lead going to the 2nd half but the Phoenix Fuel Masters makes an adjustment that Magnolia can't make. In terms of strenght, they are now 50/50 as Phoenix were able to match the physicality of Magnolia, well that's there style but Magnolia gave a does of their own medicine.

I can't wait to see the game 4, people say Magnolia will end the young Phoenix, but I say, no, not yet, we need to see a game 5 or do or die game. If the series will extend to 5, SMB will be greatly benefited here as they will go in the Finals well rested, well that's the benefit of ending the series early.

[mirakal]

Maybe game 5 we still have Phoenix +5.5.

They didn't change the opening line, it's still +7.5. I'm sure this will move down in the coming days as sure bettors will be happy to bet on the +7.5 after they beat Magnolia by double digits.  Watch out for the line movement but it's not wise to go against the trend,  the last 3 games belong to the Phoenix, you should bet on the handicap and moneyline.

Well and good. This is quite puzzling but let's take the Phoenix here, bookies can't fool us here unless they are up something like a cooking show. The last 3 games, we've seen a greater competition between this team, players gets injured and they still continue to play, like Calvin Abueva, it was reported that he has a nasal fracture and yet he is still playing and has not wearing a mask as according to him it will affect his vision, so he really wants to contribute.

If there's a game 5, then this should be the biggest or unexpected semi finals in the last few seasons as honestly and which I believe, people were expecting a sweep, instead, it has become an interesting series to watch.

[blockman]

No Ginebra in the finals but still there's the San Miguel Beermen that just swept them. And we're still waiting for the result of Magnolia and Phoenix Fuel Masters. I thought that it's gonna be a sweep too but let's see on the what ifs it is going to be Fuel Masters that will be making a history of doing a straigh 2 more wins. Otherwise, if they lose on Wednesday on the MOA arena against the Magnolia then that's it, it's going to be SMB and Magnolia at the grand finals.

[Hypnosis00]

No Ginebra in the finals but still there's the San Miguel Beermen that just swept them. And we're still waiting for the result of Magnolia and Phoenix Fuel Masters. I thought that it's gonna be a sweep too but let's see on the what ifs it is going to be Fuel Masters that will be making a history of doing a straigh 2 more wins. Otherwise, if they lose on Wednesday on the MOA arena against the Magnolia then that's it, it's going to be SMB and Magnolia at the grand finals.

I can't remember the last time these two met in the Finals, but I remember that Magnolia once became a champion. Although on paper it may seemed look like SMB is the heavy favorite, but things could be different in the FInals, just like how these Magnolia vs Phoenix has turned out to be. I hope there will be no sweep in the Finals, otherwise it will be a boring series. Magnolia is still capable though against a firepower Magnolia, if SMB have JMF, Magnolia also has Laput who is a 7 footer if I'm not mistaken.

[Russlenat]

No Ginebra in the finals but still there's the San Miguel Beermen that just swept them. And we're still waiting for the result of Magnolia and Phoenix Fuel Masters. I thought that it's gonna be a sweep too but let's see on the what ifs it is going to be Fuel Masters that will be making a history of doing a straigh 2 more wins. Otherwise, if they lose on Wednesday on the MOA arena against the Magnolia then that's it, it's going to be SMB and Magnolia at the grand finals.

I can't remember the last time these two met in the Finals, but I remember that Magnolia once became a champion. Although on paper it may seemed look like SMB is the heavy favorite, but things could be different in the FInals, just like how these Magnolia vs Phoenix has turned out to be. I hope there will be no sweep in the Finals, otherwise it will be a boring series. Magnolia is still capable though against a firepower Magnolia, if SMB have JMF, Magnolia also has Laput who is a 7 footer if I'm not mistaken.

I did a little research as I could not also remember, they won a championship last 2018.

Here ;
https://www.bworldonline.com/editors-picks/2018/12/19/205737/magnolia-is-pba-champion-once-again/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnolia_Hotshots

That was a long time ago, over 5 years, maybe they'll get the championship this time but we never know since SMB is also a strong team. Sure enough, they will be the underdog, compared to the last time they won a championship.

[Botnake]

No Ginebra in the finals but still there's the San Miguel Beermen that just swept them. And we're still waiting for the result of Magnolia and Phoenix Fuel Masters. I thought that it's gonna be a sweep too but let's see on the what ifs it is going to be Fuel Masters that will be making a history of doing a straigh 2 more wins. Otherwise, if they lose on Wednesday on the MOA arena against the Magnolia then that's it, it's going to be SMB and Magnolia at the grand finals.

I can't remember the last time these two met in the Finals, but I remember that Magnolia once became a champion. Although on paper it may seemed look like SMB is the heavy favorite, but things could be different in the FInals, just like how these Magnolia vs Phoenix has turned out to be. I hope there will be no sweep in the Finals, otherwise it will be a boring series. Magnolia is still capable though against a firepower Magnolia, if SMB have JMF, Magnolia also has Laput who is a 7 footer if I'm not mistaken.

I did a little research as I could not also remember, they won a championship last 2018.

Here ;
https://www.bworldonline.com/editors-picks/2018/12/19/205737/magnolia-is-pba-champion-once-again/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnolia_Hotshots

That was a long time ago, over 5 years, maybe they'll get the championship this time but we never know since SMB is also a strong team. Sure enough, they will be the underdog, compared to the last time they won a championship.

They have a chance this conference if they will finish the Phoenix in game 4. Magnolia is more on hussle plays but they don't have great outside shooters unlike SMB, so based on my analysis, they'll unlikely to win in the Finals. Although we can say that Magnolia also has bigs, but Fajardo is well experience and IMO still the best player in the PBA (local), and their import is blending well on their system as you can see he doesn't force his shots, everything went according to their plays that's why their offense looks very effective.

[Sanitough]

]I'm rooting for Ginebra to win this game 3 so that this series will be extended but as of now, the Beermen is leading 8 points, hope the Kings will come back and win this game just like what Phoenix did in the first game.

It looks good until Malonzo got injured, and it looks like he is not coming back anymore. But there's still time though, so good luck with your bet mate.
They are in the last quarter now, they need win that quarter in order to extend the series.

San Miguel just won this series and will proceed to the finals. It's something that I expected but not Ginebra never posting a single point in the run. I also rooted for Ginebra but man, their defense is so bad and their rotations are just read by SMB like a book. 94-91 is as close as it gets, but I felt like Ginebra could have snatched the win there if they mixed things up and played more offensively.

They only used short rotations unlike the SMB who has used a lot of players to minimize the minutes of the starters, and the good thing with the SMB is that whoever they'll put on the 2nd unit always makes a contribution. SMB deserve to be in the finals after quite some time, they struggled before when Fajardo wasn't healthy, he miss a lot of games but now he is back and very confident, it will be another MVP award coming for him.

[Fredomago]

]I'm rooting for Ginebra to win this game 3 so that this series will be extended but as of now, the Beermen is leading 8 points, hope the Kings will come back and win this game just like what Phoenix did in the first game.

It looks good until Malonzo got injured, and it looks like he is not coming back anymore. But there's still time though, so good luck with your bet mate.
They are in the last quarter now, they need win that quarter in order to extend the series.

San Miguel just won this series and will proceed to the finals. It's something that I expected but not Ginebra never posting a single point in the run. I also rooted for Ginebra but man, their defense is so bad and their rotations are just read by SMB like a book. 94-91 is as close as it gets, but I felt like Ginebra could have snatched the win there if they mixed things up and played more offensively.

They only used short rotations unlike the SMB who has used a lot of players to minimize the minutes of the starters, and the good thing with the SMB is that whoever they'll put on the 2nd unit always makes a contribution. SMB deserve to be in the finals after quite some time, they struggled before when Fajardo wasn't healthy, he miss a lot of games but now he is back and very confident, it will be another MVP award coming for him.

With the way they rotate the players SMB is really tough to beat, like what you just said even the 2nd unit can contribute and can give decent minutes for the starters, plus the import who understand his role and he's very capable to adjust with who's he's playing with, I like the way he play the not that ballhog but more on a team play knowing that whoever sorrounds him can contribute both offense and defense.

Let see if how they will going to perform during the finals, whoever team the team that will advance, both Mags and fuelmaster are deserving but only one can move forward.

[bisdak40]

That was a long time ago, over 5 years, maybe they'll get the championship this time but we never know since SMB is also a strong team. Sure enough, they will be the underdog, compared to the last time they won a championship.

SMB is a beast when it comes to a series games, they are very hard to defeat especially now that Fajardo is back healthy and their import is very talented and his style of play complements that of Fajardo's plays. But before we talk about Magnolia facing SMB in the finals, let them survive the hurdle first as Phoenix i think had the momentum of the series. I'll be backing the Fuel Masters this game 4 as the Hotshots failed to cover the spread on their two wins against Phoenix.

Phoenix 6.5 @1.94 vs Magnolia

[blockman]

No Ginebra in the finals but still there's the San Miguel Beermen that just swept them. And we're still waiting for the result of Magnolia and Phoenix Fuel Masters. I thought that it's gonna be a sweep too but let's see on the what ifs it is going to be Fuel Masters that will be making a history of doing a straigh 2 more wins. Otherwise, if they lose on Wednesday on the MOA arena against the Magnolia then that's it, it's going to be SMB and Magnolia at the grand finals.

I can't remember the last time these two met in the Finals, but I remember that Magnolia once became a champion. Although on paper it may seemed look like SMB is the heavy favorite, but things could be different in the FInals, just like how these Magnolia vs Phoenix has turned out to be. I hope there will be no sweep in the Finals, otherwise it will be a boring series. Magnolia is still capable though against a firepower Magnolia, if SMB have JMF, Magnolia also has Laput who is a 7 footer if I'm not mistaken.

Technically, they have a lot of championships as they've just been rebranded and renamed. I'm also hoping that there won't be any sweep that's going to happen because that's making every PBA fans especially the team fans exciting during the finals. And speaking of Magnolia, there's a rumor that James Yap is going to be taken away by the team again once this finals is done and they want them to see Yap end his career with them, retiring as a Magnolia since he really came from them before they rebrand from Purefoods and other franchise names.