On May 5, Purefoods lost to Alaska in the knockout game via 89-115 rout and were booted out in the All-Filipino finals for the first time since joining the league in 1988.
In the six-team, carry-over quarterfinals, Purefoods started out with two straight wins and then lost their next two outings before making it to the final four by eliminating San Miguel Beermen, 104-103 in overtime on August 6.
The Hotdogs placed second in the eliminations and tied with Alaska Milkmen at seven wins and three losses and a game behind leader Sunkist Orange Juicers.
Taylor was replaced by Gerrod Abram, who could only lead the team to one win in four games he played as Purefoods bowed out in fifth place and missing all three championships contested in the year.
[3] July 25: Purefoods started their campaign in the single-round quarterfinals on a right track and a stern defense allowed the defending Commissioners Cup champions to escape with an 83-81 victory over Sta.Lucia Realtors.