Who Won the PBA Finals 2022? Complete Results and Championship Highlights

I remember sitting in my living room last May, completely captivated by the PBA Finals, thinking how remarkable it was to witness championship basketball after the disruptions of previous seasons. The 2022 PBA Philippine Cup Finals delivered one of the most memorable conclusions in recent memory, with the San Miguel Beermen claiming their 28th PBA championship title by defeating the Magnolia Hotshots 4-2 in their best-of-seven series. What made this victory particularly special wasn't just the trophy itself, but how it demonstrated the powerful connection between athletes and their home crowd - a theme that resonates across sports worldwide.

During the decisive Game 6 on May 20, 2022, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, I watched CJ Perez deliver what might have been the performance of his career, scoring 25 points while demonstrating why he's considered one of the most dynamic guards in Philippine basketball. But the true standout, the player who seemed to elevate when it mattered most, was June Mar Fajardo. The "Kraken" dominated the paint with 19 points and 14 rebounds, earning his seventh PBA Finals MVP award - an achievement that solidifies his legacy as perhaps the greatest Filipino basketball player of his generation. The final score of 119-97 doesn't fully capture how San Miguel systematically dismantled Magnolia's defense throughout the series, particularly in those crucial closing minutes when championship experience truly showed.

This concept of home court advantage and national pride extends beyond basketball, reminding me of a press conference I attended featuring golfer Miguel Tabuena. He perfectly captured the sentiment shared by many athletes when he stated, "You always want to perform well in your home country," while sitting alongside major winners Johnson and Reed at the presidential table before an Asian Tour event. That statement has stayed with me because it reflects the same emotional weight I saw in the Beermen's performance - that unique pressure and motivation that comes from competing before your compatriots. The connection between an athlete and their home crowd creates something electric, something that statistics alone can't measure.

Looking at the championship journey, San Miguel's path was anything but easy. They battled through a tough semifinal series against Meralco, winning 4-3 in a contest that went down to the wire. Throughout the finals, the team demonstrated remarkable depth beyond their stars - Marcio Lassiter's clutch three-point shooting, Vic Manuel's physical presence off the bench, and Chris Ross's veteran leadership all contributed significantly. Meanwhile, Magnolia fought valiantly, with Paul Lee averaging 18.3 points per game in the series and Calvin Abueva providing his trademark energy, but they ultimately couldn't match San Miguel's championship pedigree when it mattered most.

From my perspective as someone who's followed the PBA for over a decade, what impressed me most about San Miguel's victory was their mental toughness. They dropped Game 1 by 8 points, then responded by winning three straight. After Magnolia extended the series with a Game 5 victory, many teams might have faltered, but the Beermen came out in Game 6 with overwhelming force, shooting 52% from the field and outrebounding their opponents 58-42. That ability to respond to adversity, to elevate their game when facing elimination or potential series extensions, separates championship teams from merely good ones.

The financial implications of this victory are substantial - with the championship purse reportedly reaching ₱5.2 million, plus additional bonuses from the franchise and sponsors. But beyond the monetary rewards, this championship reinforces San Miguel's dominance in the PBA landscape, particularly in the Philippine Cup where they've now won 8 of the last 9 tournaments. That level of sustained excellence is almost unprecedented in modern Philippine sports.

Reflecting on the broader significance, I've always believed that championship victories like this resonate beyond the court. They become part of the national conversation, inspire young athletes across the archipelago, and reinforce basketball's position as the country's most beloved sport. The 2022 PBA Finals didn't just crown a champion - it provided compelling narratives about legacy, resilience, and the special relationship between athletes and their homeland. As the confetti settled and the celebration began, it was clear we had witnessed something that would be remembered and discussed for years to come, another chapter in the rich history of Philippine basketball that continues to capture our collective imagination.