Filipino basketball rivalry
The Pampanga Giant Lanterns and San Juan Knights both joined the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) as expanion teams for its 2018–19 season. The two teams have consistently faced off in the playoffs, particularly in the mid-2020s when they are battling spot in the finals of both the MPBL and the Pilipinas Super League (PSL). As of November 11, 2024, San Juan and Pampanga tied the all-time series 7–7.
History.
2018–2020: First meetings.
Both teams first faced each other on June 20, 2018, which happened to be their first games as expansion teams. The then-named Pampanga Lanterns hosted the game at AUF Sports and Cultural Center in Angeles City, but San Juan beat the home team with a score of 93–70. It wouldn't be until the following season when both met in the playoffs for the first time. In the 2020–21 MPBL playoffs, San Juan swept the now-Giant Lanterns in the best-of-three series. Game 1 of that series also featured a game-winning layup made by Mike Ayonayon.
2023–present: Fighting for contention.
Entering their semifinals match-up in the 2023 PSL DUMPER Cup playoffs, San Juan has beaten Pampanga in all six of their meetings up to that point. In addition, San Juan came into the playoffs undefeated at 15–0 while Pampanga finished 10–5. On March 27, 2023, the Pampanga franchise finally reigned over the San Juan franchise on an 87–84 victory at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. They then went on to win game 2 at home at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center to advance to the finals and eventually win their first professional championship against the Davao Occidental Tigers.
Back in the MPBL, on September 30, the Giants Lanterns won their first regular season game against San Juan, a game that would lead to Pampanga's 26th win for the winningest season in league history, a record that is shared with multiple teams, including San Juan. The two teams then found themselves on familiar ground in that year's North Division finals with a trip to the championship series at stake. Pampanga would eventually sweep San Juan once again to claim their first North Division title before winning the championship altogether against the Bacoor City Strikers. Pampanga's five-game winning streak over San Juan came to an end in the following 2024 season after San Juan defeated Pampanga, 86–82, a game that also ended Pampanga's 23-game winning streak. Both teams are expected to meet again in the playoffs, where another division championship is on the line.
 "NOTE: Preseason games are not included."
References.
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