The Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters staged a remarkable comeback from an 18-point deficit to defeat the league-leading Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 87-83, in the main game of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner's Cup on Tuesday evening, April 21, 2026, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Key Players Step Up
Import James Dickey III, along with Jason Perkins, Tyler Tio, Prince Rivero, and Evan Nelle, provided the offensive spark for the Fuel Masters in the second half, snapping Rain or Shine's seven-game winning streak. All five players scored in double figures, lifting Phoenix's record to 5-3.
The victory is expected to boost the Fuel Masters' bid for a Top Four finish, which carries a twice-to-beat advantage in the upcoming quarterfinals.
Coach's Take
"We just challenged our team at the half. Early on, it was like Space Jam — we couldn't make a shot. Then we started making our shots. Tyler made great shots, everybody came in with quality minutes. Everybody chipped in and we chipped away," said Phoenix coach Charles Tiu, as quoted on www.pba.ph.
Despite the loss, the Elasto Painters remain at the top of the standings with a 7-1 record. However, they face a tough stretch ahead, with upcoming games against Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots (4-4), NLEX Road Warriors (6-2), and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings — all teams with a chance to secure a Top Four spot.
Preliminary Game
In the first game, guest team Macau Black Knights defeated the Titan Ultra Giant Risers to post their first win of the conference. The Black Knights improved to 1-7, while the Giant Risers dropped to 2-6.
