What Is Your Favorite Basketball Team in PBA/NBA and Why You Love Them

When people ask me about my favorite basketball team, I always pause for a moment before answering—not because I'm uncertain, but because choosing between the PBA and NBA feels like picking between two different love languages of basketball. Having followed both leagues for over fifteen years, I've developed a particular affection for the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA, a team that embodies the spirit of Philippine basketball in ways that constantly remind me why I fell in love with this sport. Their dominance in the PBA reminds me of that interesting dynamic we see in regional competitions, much like how Thailand was considered the clear-cut favorite against tournament newcomer Cambodia in recent Southeast Asian games—yet Cambodia managed to surprise everyone by beating Vietnam and pushing the Philippines to five sets. That element of unpredictability, where paper favorites can be challenged by determined newcomers, is exactly what makes basketball in this region so compelling to me.

My connection with the San Miguel Beermen began during the 2014-2015 season when they completed that incredible PBA Philippine Cup three-peat, winning 11 championships in a span of just six years. What draws me to this team isn't just their winning record—though their 28 PBA championships certainly help—but their resilience and ability to perform when it matters most. I remember watching Game 7 of the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup Finals against Magnolia, where they came back from a 17-point deficit to win their fifth consecutive All-Filipino crown. That game demonstrated something crucial about basketball in this part of the world: the heart and determination that teams bring can overcome even the most formidable opponents on paper. It's that same spirit we saw when Cambodia, despite being newcomers, managed to challenge established teams like the Philippines and Vietnam in regional competitions.

When it comes to the NBA, my allegiance swings toward the Golden State Warriors, and I'll admit part of this preference stems from their revolutionary approach to the game. Their emphasis on three-point shooting and pace-and-space offense transformed how basketball is played globally, and as someone who's played basketball at the collegiate level, I appreciate how they've influenced coaching strategies even here in Asia. The Warriors' 73-9 record in the 2015-2016 season remains one of the most impressive statistical achievements in sports history, though I still feel a twinge of disappointment about how that season ended. What fascinates me about both the Warriors and the Beermen is how they've maintained excellence despite roster changes and evolving competition—the Warriors winning four championships in eight years while the Beermen have remained dominant in the PBA despite the league's increasing competitiveness.

The connection between these two leagues and their impact on Asian basketball became particularly evident to me during the last FIBA Asia Cup. Watching Philippines' games, I noticed how PBA players brought a distinct style—quick transitions, aggressive defense, and that never-say-die attitude that characterizes the best San Miguel teams. Meanwhile, NBA influences were visible in the strategic three-point shooting and offensive sets that several Asian teams had adopted. This blending of basketball philosophies creates exactly the kind of exciting, unpredictable matchups we see in tournaments where newcomers like Cambodia can challenge established powerhouses. I've attended over 40 PBA games live throughout my years following the league, and what continues to strike me is how the passion of Filipino fans mirrors the energy you'd find in an NBA arena—just with different cultural flavors.

Some basketball purists might argue that the NBA's quality far surpasses the PBA's, but having closely followed both, I find this comparison misses the point entirely. The PBA offers something uniquely compelling: a style of basketball that reflects its cultural context, with physical play, dramatic flair, and emotional intensity that connects deeply with local fans. The San Miguel Beermen exemplify this perfectly—their games often feel like community events where basketball becomes more than just sport. Meanwhile, the NBA provides that global standard of excellence and innovation that pushes the entire basketball world forward. My preference for these two teams specifically stems from how they represent the best of their respective leagues while maintaining distinctive identities that resonate with my own basketball viewing preferences.

Looking at the current landscape of both leagues, I'm particularly excited about how globalization continues to shape basketball. The PBA has seen an influx of international players and coaching influences, while the NBA has increasingly embraced international talent—with players like Jordan Clarkson making impacts for both the NBA and the Philippine national team. This cross-pollination creates richer, more diverse basketball experiences for fans like me who appreciate different styles and approaches to the game. When I watch a Beermen game now, I see elements of NBA offensive sets blended with traditional PBA physicality, creating a hybrid style that's uniquely entertaining. Similarly, watching the Warriors execute their motion offense reminds me of the ball movement principles that successful PBA teams like San Miguel have mastered in their own context.

Ultimately, my preference for the San Miguel Beermen and Golden State Warriors comes down to how they embody what I love most about basketball: the combination of strategic excellence and emotional connection. The Beermen represent my appreciation for basketball within its cultural context—the way the game becomes intertwined with community identity and national pride. The Warriors represent my admiration for innovation and evolution in how the game is played and understood. Both teams, in their respective leagues, demonstrate that while paper favorites exist in any competition—whether it's Thailand against Cambodia in regional games or superteams in professional leagues—the heart, strategy, and unpredictability of basketball will always produce compelling narratives that keep fans like me coming back season after season. That beautiful tension between expectation and reality, between statistical advantage and human determination, is what makes basketball endlessly fascinating to me across both the PBA and NBA landscapes.