The Pampanga Giant Lanterns and San Juan Knights both joined the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) as expanion teams for its 2018–19 season.
The two teams have consistently faced off in the playoffs, particularly in the mid-2020s when they are battling spot in the finals of both the MPBL and the Pilipinas Super League (PSL).
The then-named Pampanga Lanterns hosted the game at AUF Sports and Cultural Center in Angeles City, but San Juan beat the home team with a score of 93–70.
[1] Entering their semifinals match-up in the 2023 PSL DUMPER Cup playoffs, San Juan has beaten Pampanga in all six of their meetings up to that point.
Pampanga would eventually sweep San Juan once again to claim their first North Division title before winning the championship altogether against the Bacoor City Strikers.