Fans are used to seeing them atop the standings. But it’s a different story so far in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
For whatever reason, perennial contenders are struggling in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
Before the Christmas break, powerhouse teams Barangay Ginebra, TNT Tropang Giga, San Miguel Beermen, Magnolia Hotshots, and Meralco Bolts found themselves lurking out of the Top 4.
[RELATED STORY: Yearender: Biggest stories in the PBA in Year 2024]
But these teams are built to overcome adversities of any kind. That is why it won’t be surprising to see them spring a couple of wins when the league resumes action on January 5.
In the meantime, check out the aforementioned squads’ status so far in the mid-season joust.
TNT Tropang Giga (2-2)
TNT is slowly figuring things out.
After coming off a Governors’ Cup conquest, the Tropang Giga had a rough start and dropped their first two games.
But behind two-time Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who is averaging 28.75 points, 10.75 rebounds, 4.75 assists, 2.25 steals, and 1.25 blocks, TNT scored back-to-back dubs for a pedestrian 2-2 win-loss record.
Its latest win came at the expense of Blackwater, 109-93, last December 19 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
[ALSO READ: Jayson Castro stars as TNT gets to enjoy 'happy Christmas party' with win vs Blackwater]
TNT will face sister squad Meralco on January 7 at the PhilSports Arena.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (4-2)
Given a hectic schedule before the Christmas break, Ginebra couldn’t quite get its act together.
But with a rousing 95-92 win over rival Magnolia during the Christmas Clasico, the Gin Kings picked up their fourth victory against two losses in the mid-season tournament.
[ALSO READ: Goodbye 2024, hello 2025: LA Tenorio values blessings, learnings of every day]
Justin Brownlee remains at the forefront of the Gin Kings attack with 28.0 points he spiked with 10.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.17 steals, and 1.17 blocks.
[ALSO READ: Magnolia star Mark Barroca says Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos is future of PBA]
Ginebra takes on sister team San Miguel at 7 p.m. on January 5, inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Meralco Bolts (3-2)
After a sterling 3-0 start, Meralco found itself on a spiral following back-to-back losses.
That can be attributed to injuries to key players as well as import Akil Mitchell, whose return from a nose injury was spoiled by a 110-94 loss to Converge on Christmas Day.
[ALSO READ: Goodbye 2024, hello 2025: Bong Quinto aims for improvement, hungry for next PBA crown]
On the brightside, the Bolts also activated Allein Maliksi that game and he is expected to help elevate the team’s play in their succeeding matches.
[ALSO READ: PBA: Meralco star Chris Newsome praises young Converge--‘Gonna be a scary team’]
Meralco will kick off 2025 with the PBA resumption of the conference against Eastern at 5 p.m. inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Magnolia Hotshots (2-5)
When Magnolia survived NLEX, 99-95, to halt a losing skid, all signs point to the Hotshots putting up a string of victories.
Magnolia did not.
The Hotshots did look like they were bound to score back-to-back wins but squandered a 22-point lead against the Gin Kings.
[ALSO READ: PBA: Paul Lee remains optimistic despite Magnolia falling to 2-5 after Manila Clasico loss]
Despite Ricardo Ratliffe norming 24.86 points, 16.0 rebounds, and 2.57 assists, Magnolia has struggled mightily in the import-spiced conference.
[ALSO READ: Christmas Q&A: Calvin Abueva once believed in Santa, now passes tradition to kids]
Magnolia returns to action on January 10 against Terrafirma at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
San Miguel Beermen(3-3)
Though June Mar Fajardo remain a dominant force in the paint, San Miguel Beermen have looked like mere mortals on the court.
This could be attributed to the Beermen switching imports for the third time.
[ALSO READ: Fan favorite Kyt Jimenez reflects on PBA journey, grateful for opportunity with San Miguel]
Returning head coach Leo Austria is hopeful when Jabari Narcis finally got the hang of playing with his new team, things will look up for the winningest franchise in the PBA.