PBA: CJ Perez’s consecutive games streak ends at 279

FILE– San Miguel Beermen’s CJ Perez during a game in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

MANILA, Philippines–CJ Perez was forced to miss his first-ever PBA game on Saturday when San Miguel Beer fell short against TNT with a 93-89 overtime loss in a thrilling 2026 Governors’ Cup showdown at Mall of Asia Arena.

Perez could only play the role of cheerleader from the bench due to a pulled groin as the Beermen failed to complete a fourth-quarter comeback against a Tropang 5G side that continues to find its rhythm despite its own injury woes.

“The streak is over,” said Perez, who made 279 straight appearances since his PBA debut in 2019 before the streak was snapped.

CJ Perez was forced to miss his first PBA game in San Miguel Beer’s 93-89 overtime loss to TNT due to a groin injury.

Perez had made 279 appearances with missing one prior to sitting out Saturday’s thriller at Mall of Asia Arena. #PBA50 | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/Dg8k2nGEro

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) August 1, 2026

The San Miguel star got hurt during the first half of the Beermen’s 110-96 loss to the NLEX Road Warriors last Sunday, and was able to play briefly in Wednesday’s 143-105 rout of the Titan Ultra Giant Risers.

That kept his streak alive, and would have tied Dante Gonzalgo for sixth all-time in consecutive games played had he been inserted, even for one second, against the Tropang 5G.

“It’s their decision and it’s beyond my control,” Perez said, noting that it was the team that made the call in sitting him out.

“But if you ask me as a player, I can play because that’s how I honor the game of basketball, even if there’s little pain.”

San Miguel dropped to 4-2 after the defeat, but stayed second in Group A.