It looks like order has been restored in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup, with San Miguel Beermen, Magnolia Hotshots and Barangay Ginebra turning down the hype on the early-conference upstarts.
The bottom half of the standings, however, is another matter altogether, with Phoenix Super LPG gathering the ashes and readying to rise and Converge FiberXers -- at long last -- showing signs of life!
These are the changes that make their presence felt in our weekly power rankings.
1. San Miguel Beermen (7-0)
What more is there to be said about San Miguel?
Their title defense has been very much on track heading into the stretch run of the eliminations. Of course, the playoffs will be a different beast, but no roster is confident and capable of taking on that challenge other than the Beermen's fully loaded lineup.
2. Magnolia Hotshots (5-2)
Are you a Magnolia fan who was worried about their 1-2 start to the All-Filipino? Then that means you now well realize how unfounded and unnecessary all those were, right?
With a fourth consecutive victory, the Hotshots have not only gotten back into their groove, they've also rediscovered the two-way fearlessness that will make them a problem for any opponent in the playoffs.
3. Barangay Ginebra (6-3)
Ginebra has battled all the way back to top three in the standings, with their most recent convincing victory over TNT Tropang Giga stretching their streak to three in a row.
Still, there's a reason why coach Tim Cone is mulling moves to shore up their injured wing rotation. With Jamie Malonzo far from full-strength, the Gin Kings may very well have an Achilles' heel moving forward.
4. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (5-5)
Rain or Shine was doused with cold water by Magnolia, but that six-point loss is still testament to how far Yeng Guiao's side has come from their 0-4 record.
Winners of five of their last six outings, the Elasto Painters are determined to get back on track at the expense of suddenly-vulnerable NLEX Road Warriors to wrap up their eliminations assignments.
5. NLEX Road Warriors (5-3)
Robert Bolick and NLEX were flying high early-on in the All-Filipino, but a sorry loss to already-longtime also-ran Phoenix sent them crashing back to earth.
A trifecta of San Miguel, Rain or Shine and Ginebra to end the eliminations will be even more of a tall task if they hope to still challenge for a twice-to-beat advantage. We're not about to bet against 'Big Shot Berto' just yet, however!
6. TNT Tropang Giga (4-4)
A defeat at the hands of streaking Ginebra isn't something to be ashamed of, but still, that would've been a golden opportunity for TNT to send a statement.
Thankfully, back-to-back matchups opposite Phoenix and Converge are lined up for them before another shot at making noise against Magnolia.
7. Terrafirma Dyip (4-5)
Terrafirma's grand plans at the playoffs are hanging by a thread after absorbing a second straight loss.
There's still time to fan the flames, however, even if those would've to come against desperate NorthPort Batang Pier and then white-hot Magnolia.
8. NorthPort Batang Pier (4-5)
Safe to say, NorthPort has disappointed in its last four games. Once standing proud at 4-1, they've now dropped four in a row -- all against traditional powerhouses against whom they were hoping to prove their worth.
Coach Bonnie Tan said he's at a loss at what has happened to his wards. All of the Batang Pier better find answers quick!
9. Phoenix Super LPG (3-5)
Phoenix has been playing the part of spoiler for quite some time now in the All-Filipino -- and their biggest win yet just so happened to be a big-time 35-point takedown of Bolick's NLEX.
Up next for the Fuel Masters is TNT, and the Tropang Giga better be careful!
10. Blackwater Bossing (3-5)
What began as a conference full of promise has now reverted into the same old, same old Blackwater campaign.
The Bossing have now followed up their 3-0 start with five consecutive defeats, with desperate NorthPort and league-leading San Miguel still waiting in the wings.
11. Converge FiberXers (1-8)
Finally, thankfully, Converge ended its 12-game losing slide dating back to last conference.
At 1-8, the FiberXers technically have nothing to play for -- other than washing off the stench brought about by their drawn out struggles.
12. Meralco Bolts (3-5)
It may very well be too harsh for 3-5 Meralco to find itself ranked last in this list, but we argue that's what happens when the league's cellar-dwellers find a way out thanks to you.
The Bolts got shocked by Converge, plain and simple, and that's why we have to put them at the bottom this week.