2022–23 PBA Commissioner's Cup

[Fredomago]

Like what I mentioned,  I love the way SMB adjusted after suffering a back to back losses with Magnolia they finally find the best way to counter their opponents, especially the import he knows that he got everyone to support him and with the way he show up and bring good defense to a fellow reinforcement  that's being paid after this win.

Cruz got a hot hands and take the player of the game award, and just like what he said , not done yet still game/games to play.

Yeah, Jericho Cruz needs to duplicate his output in game 5 to close out the series in game 6. If not, they are in big trouble as Bennie Boatwright is struggling with his 3-point shooting here in the last three games.

If Jericho didn't shoot well, SMB might struggle because Boatwright was already lock down on offense, probably at least 50% was down based on his performance. Magnolia don't settle a lot on 3 point shooting, I like their style of playing as they seemed to be very aggressive and always go for a high percentage shot.

Luckily Cruz manage to hit that crucial three point shot, as Magnolia is knocking they manage to cut the lead to 4 points. Just like how Paul Lee sealed game 4, it was then Cruz sealed it the same way. In terms of game execution, Magnolia really playing smart, not forcing their shots and allow players to rotate before taking the shots, just so happen that SMB's outside shooting is falling that's why they manage to win the game.

After seeing the 5 games of the series, I am more inclined this time to bet on Magnolia to win the series because the Beermen seem to live and die on their shooting from the outside that seldom they go to their big man in Junemar Fajardo to create an opening for those wide open 3's.

I won game 5 as i bet for the Beermen but i think i'm going to bet for Magnolia ML this coming Wednesday.

This made me thinking about my bet in game 6 since I'm still believing that SMB will take the win and cover the spread. In terms of rebounding, there's no big disparity although SMB had the advantage. I think the turning factor here was really the good 3 point shooting of Cruz.

Seems to have a good basis, though if Magnolia manage to win game 6 SMB will be in trouble, they might know that and they might push game 6 and try all their best to win the game.

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[Natalim]

Seems to have a good basis, though if Magnolia manage to win game 6 SMB will be in trouble, they might know that and they might push game 6 and try all their best to win the game.

Right now, they are in a 50-50 chance although SMB is taking the lead in the series. A win by Magnolia in game 6 will not change the status of their match up in game 7. In fact, I believe the series will be more interesting since it has a game 7 and people will be watching, i think the right bet IMO is Magnoli with the spread because if it's going to be a close game, Magnolia might be able to cover the spread.

[Ziskinberg]

Yes, It was a good game plan kicking the ball out and allow your shooters to take the shots, it's tough job for Magnolia to adjust as if they will leave him he can easily make a basket.

It was good because the shots were falling, but if not, SMB will struggle again and loss 3rd straight. Last time, Boatwright had a lot of attempts and his FG percentage was very low, they didn't let it happen this time as he was only limited, he let the locals do the scoring and he just grab some rebounds and defend Bey.

He is still very effective as he finished with 21 points but not forcing shots since he was 6-14.
On the starters of SMB, both Perez and Lassiter struggled with poor shooting, but good thing Cruz, Enciso and Trollana save them.

Like what I mentioned,  I love the way SMB adjusted after suffering a back to back losses with Magnolia they finally find the best way to counter their opponents, especially the import he knows that he got everyone to support him and with the way he show up and bring good defense to a fellow reinforcement  that's being paid after this win.

Cruz got a hot hands and take the player of the game award, and just like what he said , not done yet still game/games to play.

Magnolia is again on a position that put them on a do or die game starting in game 6. And based on statistics, a team that started with 2-0 in the Finals usually wins the series. Therefore, if we follow the trend and bet on SMB in game 6, in case they lose, they might still win game 7. Not sure what will happen in game 6 as Magnolia remained competitive in the game but SMB could not afford to extend this series, they should consider game 6 as the last game so they'll give everything they can.

However, on the business side, it would be nice to have a game 7 since it could be played on Friday or Saturday where people could go to the Arena to watch the game.

[Distinctin]

Yes, It was a good game plan kicking the ball out and allow your shooters to take the shots, it's tough job for Magnolia to adjust as if they will leave him he can easily make a basket.

It was good because the shots were falling, but if not, SMB will struggle again and loss 3rd straight. Last time, Boatwright had a lot of attempts and his FG percentage was very low, they didn't let it happen this time as he was only limited, he let the locals do the scoring and he just grab some rebounds and defend Bey.

He is still very effective as he finished with 21 points but not forcing shots since he was 6-14.
On the starters of SMB, both Perez and Lassiter struggled with poor shooting, but good thing Cruz, Enciso and Trollana save them.

Like what I mentioned,  I love the way SMB adjusted after suffering a back to back losses with Magnolia they finally find the best way to counter their opponents, especially the import he knows that he got everyone to support him and with the way he show up and bring good defense to a fellow reinforcement  that's being paid after this win.

Cruz got a hot hands and take the player of the game award, and just like what he said , not done yet still game/games to play.

Magnolia is again on a position that put them on a do or die game starting in game 6. And based on statistics, a team that started with 2-0 in the Finals usually wins the series. Therefore, if we follow the trend and bet on SMB in game 6, in case they lose, they might still win game 7. Not sure what will happen in game 6 as Magnolia remained competitive in the game but SMB could not afford to extend this series, they should consider game 6 as the last game so they'll give everything they can.

Both teams are probably thinking it's their last game so they'll everything they can. It's a matter on how hungry a team will want to win in a championship, and Magnolia is hungrier for me as they have less championship wins compared to the SMB. However, it's hard to imagine that JMF will be losing in the Finals, last time I remember they loss is against Ginebra San Miguel who had a very exceptional import of JB, these two imports are good but JB is way better than them.

However, on the business side, it would be nice to have a game 7 since it could be played on Friday or Saturday where people could go to the Arena to watch the game.

I like this idea too. They could give the game 6 to Magnolia and let them play in game 7, may the best team wins.
Anyway, looking at the line, SMB still open at -3.5 favorite, the -1.5 spread is already gone which was the game 1 and game 2 spread.

[Kelvinid]

If SMB wins the total will be over. Next game is a do or die game for Magnolia, they will not allow it for SMB to abuse them in the 3 point area. I got a quick look on the total, it is 188 currently, I think, 2 points lower compared to the line in game 5.

When Magnolia is winning the total is below 188, so this one is probably an opportunity for bettors to take advantage of. Personally, I'm betting on the under 188 and I have a feeling that this might decrease, so taking it at this early should be done.

[Finestream]

However, on the business side, it would be nice to have a game 7 since it could be played on Friday or Saturday where people could go to the Arena to watch the game.

I like this idea too. They could give the game 6 to Magnolia and let them play in game 7, may the best team wins.
Anyway, looking at the line, SMB still open at -3.5 favorite, the -1.5 spread is already gone which was the game 1 and game 2 spread.

Smart idea, I haven't thought of that as I was just riding on the winning team, of course that's SMB. It's great that you also look outside the box, business is business as they say, and with game 7, they could fill the arena and they'll make a lot of money. There were rumors that PBA has been struggling to attract audience, so I don't think they'll waste this opportunity to get a game 7 for the series.

When Magnolia is winning the total is below 188, so this one is probably an opportunity for bettors to take advantage of. Personally, I'm betting on the under 188 and I have a feeling that this might decrease, so taking it at this early should be done.

Nice analysis, let's follow the under for this game. Their lowest was 168, that was when Magnolia won the game, so 188 is just too high for this game.

[Kelvinid]

Just a quick update on the line tomorrow. We can already see the full market of the game. I notice something strange, it seems like the line is moving on the favor of Magnolia, from +3.5 now at +2.5, probably people are believing that they'll take game 6 and we will see a game 7.

As to the total, it's now at 189.5, quite similar to the line in the previous game.

I haven't seen an OT in this game, maybe let's try to consider betting on OT as well with the following odds.

SMB/DRAW x18
MAGNOLIA/DRAW x19..

[Sanitough]

Just a quick update on the line tomorrow. We can already see the full market of the game. I notice something strange, it seems like the line is moving on the favor of Magnolia, from +3.5 now at +2.5, probably people are believing that they'll take game 6 and we will see a game 7.

Sounds trappy  lol

I guess I'm not pulling the trigger yet, we still have plenty of time, I'll be observing the line movement before I will make a conclusion. I'm reading all your replies guys, I liked the conspiracy theory you brought out, if Magnolia wins, that will prove it but bisdak could be right too because SMB relied so much on their outside shooting despite they are having the advantage inside, if they miss a lot, this will be Magnolia's night.

As to the total, it's now at 189.5, quite similar to the line in the previous game.

Total hasn't change yet, it's a 50/50 bet, but if you are smart enough, you'll take the under as it could be the last game, and you know how Magnolia play, they are too physical. Given they have a good break, they'll have fresh legs when in game 6.

I haven't seen an OT in this game, maybe let's try to consider betting on OT as well with the following odds.

SMB/DRAW x18
MAGNOLIA/DRAW x19..

Interesting odds, this is worth a try. I'll pick one I guess, I like the x19 ^{(bigger by 1)} because I think Magnolia will start strong and SMB will try to catch up, and maybe might end up in OT.

[Fredomago]

Seems to have a good basis, though if Magnolia manage to win game 6 SMB will be in trouble, they might know that and they might push game 6 and try all their best to win the game.

Right now, they are in a 50-50 chance although SMB is taking the lead in the series. A win by Magnolia in game 6 will not change the status of their match up in game 7. In fact, I believe the series will be more interesting since it has a game 7 and people will be watching, i think the right bet IMO is Magnoli with the spread because if it's going to be a close game, Magnolia might be able to cover the spread.

I guess if following the trend placing your bet for magnolia with a handicap might be possible as they already knew what to do its just so happened that the shooters of SMB got their shots fallen but if those shots did not surely Magnolia might take that game 5, its more on how good you are in taking the risk, we are seeing good competition even its a sister companies that competing for the title, both are hungry and really wanting to win.

[Hypnosis00]

Seems to have a good basis, though if Magnolia manage to win game 6 SMB will be in trouble, they might know that and they might push game 6 and try all their best to win the game.

Right now, they are in a 50-50 chance although SMB is taking the lead in the series. A win by Magnolia in game 6 will not change the status of their match up in game 7. In fact, I believe the series will be more interesting since it has a game 7 and people will be watching, i think the right bet IMO is Magnoli with the spread because if it's going to be a close game, Magnolia might be able to cover the spread.

I guess if following the trend placing your bet for magnolia with a handicap might be possible as they already knew what to do its just so happened that the shooters of SMB got their shots fallen but if those shots did not surely Magnolia might take that game 5, its more on how good you are in taking the risk, we are seeing good competition even its a sister companies that competing for the title, both are hungry and really wanting to win.

They are a sister team, sure they can manipulate the outcome of the game by telling their players to "slow down". I guess I'm not betting now, will be watching it first and try to feel where's the rig favors, then I'll just do a live betting with a very attractive odds and line. Both teams are healthy, it just have to go down on what the league would want to happen, but I'm with "YES TO GAME 7".

[Maslate]

Seems to have a good basis, though if Magnolia manage to win game 6 SMB will be in trouble, they might know that and they might push game 6 and try all their best to win the game.

Right now, they are in a 50-50 chance although SMB is taking the lead in the series. A win by Magnolia in game 6 will not change the status of their match up in game 7. In fact, I believe the series will be more interesting since it has a game 7 and people will be watching, i think the right bet IMO is Magnoli with the spread because if it's going to be a close game, Magnolia might be able to cover the spread.

I guess if following the trend placing your bet for magnolia with a handicap might be possible as they already knew what to do its just so happened that the shooters of SMB got their shots fallen but if those shots did not surely Magnolia might take that game 5, its more on how good you are in taking the risk, we are seeing good competition even its a sister companies that competing for the title, both are hungry and really wanting to win.

They are a sister team, sure they can manipulate the outcome of the game by telling their players to "slow down". I guess I'm not betting now, will be watching it first and try to feel where's the rig favors, then I'll just do a live betting with a very attractive odds and line. Both teams are healthy, it just have to go down on what the league would want to happen, but I'm with "YES TO GAME 7".

It's been Magnolia so far, let's see if things will change in the 2nd half as the 3rd quarter has just started. By the looks of it, it seems like there's a game 7 as SMB hasn't been dominating the game unlike what happen in game 5. The 3 point shooting is still there but Cruz is not as hot as he was last game.

The ball movement of Magnolia is really impressive, they don't usually take 3 point attempts but they'll make sure they get some points inside despite JMF is there to block the shots, they just do some good passing of the ball to confuse JMF.

[Finestream]

I thought there's a game 7 because of Magnolia's strong start, but SMB didn't allowed it to happen as they came back from a double digit deficit to win the game by 2 points only. I just stop watching after seeing SMB won the game, I don't know the finals MVP is, but I think it will be Jericho Cruz as he had some big shots to help the team to win.

Congrats to the winners, for those who bet on Magnolia +2.5, and to those who bet on SMB when they are down double digit, the moneyline odd that time was x5.

[Japinat]

I don't know the finals MVP is, but I think it will be Jericho Cruz as he had some big shots to help the team to win.

Cruz has been one of the reason on the success of SMB in the Finals, but it was SMB who were consistent from game 1 to game 6, and he was named as the Finals MVP. Remember that Cruz didn't play well in game 5, so that's a big (-). CJ not only won the BPC but has also won the Finals MVP, he just proved that he is one of the superstar of MVP and he is lucky to have played with JMF who is a humble supertar, possibly GOAT when he retires.

[Finestream]

I don't know the finals MVP is, but I think it will be Jericho Cruz as he had some big shots to help the team to win.

Cruz has been one of the reason on the success of SMB in the Finals, but it was SMB who were consistent from game 1 to game 6, and he was named as the Finals MVP. Remember that Cruz didn't play well in game 5, so that's a big (-). CJ not only won the BPC but has also won the Finals MVP, he just proved that he is one of the superstar of MVP and he is lucky to have played with JMF who is a humble supertar, possibly GOAT when he retires.

Of course, that's why I expected him to win but I didn't consider the previous games where CJ was the one leading the team, I'm referring to game 1 and 2 where their import as well are still shooting with impressive percentage from beyond the arc. I'm happy for the success of CJ, if he wasn't acquired by SMB, he would not be able to win championship and achieve individual awards like you mentioned.

Now, they'll take a break on the PBA season but those that are part of the Gilas Pilipinas will only have a quick rest since they'll be training together with Brownlee for the  FIBA ASIA qualifier.  In February 22, 2024, they'll play with the Hongkong.

We can see the full schedule from this site https://www.fiba.basketball/asiacup/2025/qualifiers/games

[Fredomago]

I don't know the finals MVP is, but I think it will be Jericho Cruz as he had some big shots to help the team to win.

Cruz has been one of the reason on the success of SMB in the Finals, but it was SMB who were consistent from game 1 to game 6, and he was named as the Finals MVP. Remember that Cruz didn't play well in game 5, so that's a big (-). CJ not only won the BPC but has also won the Finals MVP, he just proved that he is one of the superstar of MVP and he is lucky to have played with JMF who is a humble supertar, possibly GOAT when he retires.

Of course, that's why I expected him to win but I didn't consider the previous games where CJ was the one leading the team, I'm referring to game 1 and 2 where their import as well are still shooting with impressive percentage from beyond the arc. I'm happy for the success of CJ, if he wasn't acquired by SMB, he would not be able to win championship and achieve individual awards like you mentioned.

Now, they'll take a break on the PBA season but those that are part of the Gilas Pilipinas will only have a quick rest since they'll be training together with Brownlee for the  FIBA ASIA qualifier.  In February 22, 2024, they'll play with the Hongkong.

We can see the full schedule from this site https://www.fiba.basketball/asiacup/2025/qualifiers/games

I guess the award deserved for CJ, as you mentioned,  he was helping from game 1-6 he only struggles during game 5 but his numbers say it all and I think most of the time finals MVP is for those who contribute in entire series though I'm also thinking the possibility that Cruz may win it as he really give everything from these 2 past games, I like his attitude 😉

No rest for those who named as part of gilas while the rest will enjoy the bonuses and the time that PBA gave them while supporting the PH national team.

[bhadz]

Cruz has been one of the reason on the success of SMB in the Finals, but it was SMB who were consistent from game 1 to game 6, and he was named as the Finals MVP. Remember that Cruz didn't play well in game 5, so that's a big (-). CJ not only won the BPC but has also won the Finals MVP, he just proved that he is one of the superstar of MVP and he is lucky to have played with JMF who is a humble supertar, possibly GOAT when he retires.

I agree that Cruz has been one of the greatest contributors of SMB. But it is CJ Perez that has been proclaimed as the MVP and he deserve it. Also, what a first experience for the head coach to become a finals champ together with the rookie Kyt although he's not really used but what agreat experience for all of them. Congratulations still to Magnolia for making it up to games 6. I thought that we're going to see one more game and that's why I am waiting for it but that was too close.

[Japinat]

Cruz has been one of the reason on the success of SMB in the Finals, but it was SMB who were consistent from game 1 to game 6, and he was named as the Finals MVP. Remember that Cruz didn't play well in game 5, so that's a big (-). CJ not only won the BPC but has also won the Finals MVP, he just proved that he is one of the superstar of MVP and he is lucky to have played with JMF who is a humble supertar, possibly GOAT when he retires.

I agree that Cruz has been one of the greatest contributors of SMB. But it is CJ Perez that has been proclaimed as the MVP and he deserve it. Also, what a first experience for the head coach to become a finals champ together with the rookie Kyt although he's not really used but what agreat experience for all of them. Congratulations still to Magnolia for making it up to games 6. I thought that we're going to see one more game and that's why I am waiting for it but that was too close.

I saw a video clip about JMF cutting the long hair for Kyt. They probably had a deal that his hair will be cut once they won a championship. Other players are looking for a team to become a champion but Kyt got his first championship at his rookie year, what a lucky player although he hasn't played with good minutes yet.

Meanwhile, there's this rumor circling in the community about Justin Arana getting traded to Ginebra and he'll be earning over a million per month. This kid must be special to earn that huge amount of money. Guys, Did you read about this rumor too?

[Finestream]

Meanwhile, there's this rumor circling in the community about Justin Arana getting traded to Ginebra and he'll be earning over a million per month. This kid must be special to earn that huge amount of money. Guys, Did you read about this rumor too?

If this would happen that means Converge has really no interest in winning a championship. Maybe they are just one of the farm teams now, and of course, we can really say that Arana is a good big man, he is still young and he does a lot of hassle inside. Ginebra already have a big man, but since Japeth is not the same anymore, they need a young big man to go with C. Stand in the paint. This is a great news for Ginebra but bad news for converge.

[Fredomago]

Meanwhile, there's this rumor circling in the community about Justin Arana getting traded to Ginebra and he'll be earning over a million per month. This kid must be special to earn that huge amount of money. Guys, Did you read about this rumor too?

If this would happen that means Converge has really no interest in winning a championship. Maybe they are just one of the farm teams now, and of course, we can really say that Arana is a good big man, he is still young and he does a lot of hassle inside. Ginebra already have a big man, but since Japeth is not the same anymore, they need a young big man to go with C. Stand in the paint. This is a great news for Ginebra but bad news for converge.

If that trade does take place, there's nothing to say but just confirm that converge now became a farm team, unlike with the original owner of that franchise, Alaska team manage to do everything to compete they put everything that they just to seek for the title, but time comes that they can't swallow how PBA is being controlled and manipulated by the two giant companies.



And what we are witnessing now is another sign that Converse is no longer seeking for the title but just to go with the flow. If these rumors take place, nothing to say..

[Maslate]

Meanwhile, there's this rumor circling in the community about Justin Arana getting traded to Ginebra and he'll be earning over a million per month. This kid must be special to earn that huge amount of money. Guys, Did you read about this rumor too?

If this would happen that means Converge has really no interest in winning a championship. Maybe they are just one of the farm teams now, and of course, we can really say that Arana is a good big man, he is still young and he does a lot of hassle inside. Ginebra already have a big man, but since Japeth is not the same anymore, they need a young big man to go with C. Stand in the paint. This is a great news for Ginebra but bad news for converge.

If that trade does take place, there's nothing to say but just confirm that converge now became a farm team, unlike with the original owner of that franchise, Alaska team manage to do everything to compete they put everything that they just to seek for the title, but time comes that they can't swallow how PBA is being controlled and manipulated by the two giant companies.

Converge had a strong start, they assume the players of Alaska but after that season, they decided to trade their key players like Jeron Teng and Ahamnissi, that was already a sign that they are not serious with winning a title.

And what we are witnessing now is another sign that Converse is no longer seeking for the title but just to go with the flow. If these rumors take place, nothing to say..

So they will add on the farm teams, and that will make it 3 in the league.
1-Blackwater
2- Terrafirma DYIP
3-Converge.

I thought Converge was like Phoenix, but I was wrong.