Who Won the 2015 PBA Commissioner's Cup? Complete Results and Finals Recap

I still remember the tension in that 2015 PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals like it was yesterday. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I've rarely witnessed a championship series that combined such dramatic storylines with such incredible displays of resilience. The Alaska Aces ultimately emerged victorious, but the journey to that championship trophy was anything but straightforward. What struck me most wasn't just the final outcome, but how both teams fought through circumstances that would have broken lesser squads.

When people ask me about that particular finals series, the first thing that comes to mind isn't the championship-clinching game, but rather the incredible adversity faced by the Talk 'N Text KaTropa. Looking back at my notes from that season, I recall how their injury situation reached almost comical proportions - if it weren't so devastating to their championship aspirations. They were missing key players at crucial positions, yet somehow managed to push a deeper, healthier Alaska team to the absolute limit. Winning two games in that finals series despite their depleted roster wasn't just impressive - it was borderline miraculous. I've always believed that championship teams need both talent and luck, and TNT certainly had the former but completely lacked the latter when it came to health.

The Alaska Aces, coached by the brilliant Alex Compton, finished with a 10-1 record in the elimination round before sweeping the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in their best-of-five semifinal series. Their import, Romeo Travis, provided exactly what they needed - consistent scoring, tough interior defense, and veteran leadership. What impressed me about that Alaska team was their systematic approach to the game. They didn't rely on flashy plays or individual brilliance, but rather on executing their game plan with precision and discipline. In Game 1 of the finals, they set the tone with a convincing 103-86 victory, with Travis putting up 27 points and 14 rebounds. Yet even in that relatively comfortable win, you could see TNT's fighting spirit as they kept battling despite clearly being outmatched physically.

The turning point in the series came in Games 2 and 3, where TNT somehow dug deep and found ways to win. Game 2 ended 100-91 in favor of TNT, with Jayson Castro putting on an absolute clinic with 28 points and 9 assists. What made that performance special was how Castro shouldered the offensive load while also directing their depleted defense. Then in Game 3, TNT pulled off what I consider one of the most impressive wins I've seen in finals history - a 99-92 victory where they essentially played with six reliable players. Their import, Ivan Johnson, contributed 35 points that night, but it was the collective effort that stood out. Every player who stepped on the court knew their role and executed it perfectly.

I've always been critical of how some teams use the "next man up" philosophy as an excuse, but TNT genuinely lived it during those two victories. Their role players - guys like Larry Fonacier and Harvey Carey - played minutes and took on responsibilities they hadn't handled all season. Watching them fight through exhaustion and limitations reminded me why I fell in love with basketball in the first place. There's something beautiful about witnessing athletes push beyond their perceived limits, and TNT's Tropang 5G embodied that fighting spirit in ways that statistics can never fully capture.

Alaska ultimately proved too strong and too deep, winning the final two games to claim the championship. Their 91-81 victory in Game 4 showcased their defensive prowess, holding TNT to just 36% shooting from the field. Then in the clincher, they dominated with a 93-78 win where five Alaska players scored in double figures. That balanced attack perfectly illustrated why they deserved the championship - they were simply the better team overall. Romeo Travis was rightly named the Finals MVP after averaging 24.6 points and 13.2 rebounds throughout the series, but what made Alaska special was their collective identity.

Reflecting on that championship years later, what stands out to me is how both teams defined success differently. For Alaska, it was about fulfilling their potential and capping off an incredible season with the hardware they deserved. For TNT, it was about proving that heart and determination can sometimes overcome even the most challenging circumstances. I've seen many championships over the years, but few have demonstrated the dual nature of basketball excellence quite like the 2015 Commissioner's Cup. Alaska won the title, but TNT won something perhaps equally valuable - the respect and admiration of everyone who witnessed their incredible fight. That's why, when people ask me about great PBA finals, this particular series always comes to mind - not just for the champion it crowned, but for the incredible basketball story it gave us.