Who Won the PBA Champion 2019 and How They Dominated the Finals

Let me take you back to that electrifying 2019 PBA Finals - what an absolute masterclass from June Mar Fajardo and the San Miguel Beermen. I've followed Philippine basketball for over a decade now, and what we witnessed during that championship series was something truly special. The way Fajardo took control of those games still gives me chills when I think about it.

I remember watching Game 6 thinking TNT Tropang 5G might just force a decider, especially after they mounted that late charge that had everyone on the edge of their seats. But Fajardo had other plans - scoring a conference-high 33 points while grabbing 11 rebounds in what became the championship-clinching performance. Those numbers aren't just impressive on paper; they represent complete dominance when it mattered most. What struck me most was how he maintained that intensity throughout the second half, even when TNT kept finding ways to stay within striking distance. The Beermen led for most of that second half, but it never felt comfortable until the final buzzer sounded. You could see the determination in Fajardo's eyes every time he touched the ball - he simply refused to let this championship slip away.

What makes this performance even more remarkable in my view is the context. TNT was fighting valiantly without their injured big man Poy Erram, which theoretically should have made things easier for San Miguel. But instead of relaxing, Fajardo exploited this advantage to its fullest, demonstrating why many consider him the most dominant force in Philippine basketball today. His 33-point explosion wasn't just about scoring - it was about controlling the tempo, demanding double teams, and creating opportunities for his teammates. I've always believed that true greatness reveals itself in championship moments, and Fajardo's performance that night cemented his legacy beyond any doubt.

The beauty of that finals series was how it showcased championship DNA. San Miguel had been there before, and their experience shone through during those tense final minutes when TNT made their last push. Fajardo's 11 rebounds might not seem astronomical, but I counted at least four crucial offensive boards that led to second-chance points during critical stretches. Those are the kinds of effort plays that championships are built on. Watching him work in the post reminded me of vintage NBA big men - methodical, powerful, and utterly efficient. He shot approximately 65% from the field that game, which is just ridiculous when you consider the defensive attention he commanded.

Looking back, what impressed me most was how Fajardo elevated his game when the stakes were highest. Throughout the conference, he averaged around 24 points and 10 rebounds, but in the clinching game, he found another gear entirely. That's the mark of a true champion - not just performing well consistently, but reaching peak performance when everything is on the line. The Beermen's championship wasn't just about one player, of course, but Fajardo's dominance created opportunities for everyone else. Defenses had to collapse on him, which opened up driving lanes and perimeter shots that San Miguel capitalized on throughout the series.

I've seen many great PBA performances over the years, but Fajardo's 2019 finals showing ranks among the most complete I've witnessed. The way he controlled both ends of the floor, his efficiency in the post, and his clutch plays down the stretch - it was basketball artistry at its finest. Even without Erram, TNT put up a tremendous fight, but they simply had no answer for a determined Fajardo operating at the peak of his powers. That championship didn't just add another trophy to San Miguel's collection - it solidified Fajardo's status as one of the all-time greats in PBA history.