Unless you have been living under a rock, you probably know that the 2016-2017 PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals have been going on since last week, and that they have been nothing short of amazing.
On one hand, we have two of the deepest teams in the league — TNT Ka Tropa and San Miguel Beer - duking it out with their best-of-7 series squared at 2 wins apiece. On the other hand, we have crowd darlings Bgy. Ginebra tussling with upstart sister team Star Hotshots in an extra dramatic rendition of Manila Clasico. The Gin Kings avoided sinking into a 0-3 hole after winning in Game 3, 73-62.
To say that both series have been exciting is a significant understatement. Of the seven games that have already been played, four have been decided by 6 points or less, and that is a testament to how tight these matches have gone.
Of course, one thing that has also enthralled PBA fans all over is how new heroes seem to have risen up the ranks. Perhaps foremost of these is Star's Allein Maliksi, who has really shown his ability to wax hot and take over games. Maliksi has been Star's second-leading scorer this conference, averaging 14.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.4 triples per game. He has formed a very potent 1-2 punch together with Paul Lee, and they have been the biggest thorns in Ginebra's side so far.
Fil-Tongan Mo Tautuaa has also stepped up big time for TNT. He was a bit underwhelming last year in his rookie campaign, but he has seemingly found his groove here, averaging 12.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per contest. With him in the middle, TNT has been able to provide stiff resistance opposite the much bigger Beermen.
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Of course, another element that makes these semifinal games an absolute treat is the high stakes. San Miguel Beer is hoping for a three-peat as Philippine Cup champs, while TNT wants to regain the crown they last hoisted in 2013. Those two teams have won a combined five of the last six Philippine Cup titles, with Star the only franchise bucking the trend in 2014 when they beat Rain or Shine in six games. The Hotshots are hoping they can complete an unexpected turnaround this conference after a forgettable display last season. Of course, the Gin Kings are playing for a lot, too, especially since they won the 2016 Govs' Cup. Their fans have had their fill of championship glory, and they are noticeably thirsty for more.
With all these elements coming together, the 2016-2017 PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals have really been nothing short of magical. Things have been so intense that, frankly speaking, I kinda don't want either series to end. We can only hope that the two winners who will survive and advance will also make the Finals an even more fiercely contested affair.
