Who Won the 2019 PBA Finals MVP Award and How They Dominated the Court

2025-11-22 14:01

I still remember watching that 2019 PBA Governors' Cup Finals like it was yesterday. The atmosphere was electric, and June Mar Fajardo absolutely dominated the court in ways that still impress me when I rewatch the games. When the final buzzer sounded and Fajardo secured his eighth PBA MVP award, it felt like witnessing history in real time. What many casual fans might not realize is how much his performance during that particular finals series showcased why he's considered one of the greatest players in Philippine basketball history.

Let me break down exactly how Fajardo took control of those crucial games. He averaged 22.3 points and 14.8 rebounds throughout the finals series against Magnolia, numbers that don't even fully capture his impact. I've always believed statistics only tell half the story - what impressed me most was how he completely controlled the paint on both ends. His defensive presence alone altered countless shots, and offensively, he demanded double-teams that opened up opportunities for his San Miguel teammates. There was this one play in Game 4 where he grabbed three consecutive offensive rebounds before finally scoring - that kind of relentless effort just breaks opponents mentally.

What really stood out to me was how Fajardo embodied the spirit of that quote from their team captain about bench support. I recall specifically during Game 5 when he briefly went to the bench after picking up his third foul. Instead of sitting frustrated, he was the loudest cheerleader, shouting encouragement to his replacement. "It's important for us, especially when we're not playing well on the court, to hear the cheers from my teammates on the bench. It really helps us." That mentality spread throughout the team - you could see how the bench players responded with even more energy, and when Fajardo returned to the game, he immediately scored six straight points. That's leadership that doesn't show up in box scores but absolutely wins championships.

His conditioning throughout the series was phenomenal. At 6'10" and 268 pounds, most players his size would struggle with the pace, but Fajardo consistently outran opposing big men in transition. I noticed he often beat everyone down the court after defensive stops, resulting in easy baskets that demoralized Magnolia's defense. His footwork in the post was like watching a masterclass - he'd establish deep position, use those soft hands to catch anything thrown near him, and finish with either hand. What I particularly admired was his patience; he never rushed his moves, often waiting until the last possible second to make his decision.

The chemistry between Fajardo and his guards was something special to watch. Chris Ross and Alex Cabagnot knew exactly when to feed him in the post and when to use him as a decoy. I remember thinking during Game 6 how Magnolia tried everything - double teams, fronting the post, even zone defenses - but nothing could contain the Fajardo effect. He'd either score through contact or find the open man when help defense came. His basketball IQ shone through in those moments, reading defenses and making the right play consistently.

From my perspective covering Philippine basketball for years, what separates great players from legends is their performance when it matters most. Fajardo's 31-point, 17-rebound masterpiece in the closeout Game 6 wasn't just statistically impressive - it was a statement. He played 42 minutes that game, fighting through fatigue and physical defense to will his team to victory. I've spoken with several coaches who've faced him, and they all say the same thing - there's no defensive scheme that truly works against him when he's determined.

Looking back, that 2019 finals MVP performance cemented Fajardo's legacy in ways regular season awards never could. The way he dominated wasn't just about physical gifts - it was his mental toughness, his understanding of team dynamics, and his ability to elevate his game when championships were on the line. Even now, when young players ask me about what separates good players from great ones, I point them to tape from that 2019 finals. Fajardo didn't just win the MVP - he demonstrated complete mastery of the game at its highest level, showing how individual excellence and team success can merge to create something truly special. That's the kind of performance that inspires the next generation of players and reminds us why we love this game.