IT wasn’t a happy birthday for one person on Wednesday night.
While Matthew Wright was all smiles after helping Phoenix escape TNT, 74-72, on the day he turned 27, fellow celebrant Kelly Williams went home empty handed after seeing the Texters lose in their PBA Philippine Cup matchup.
Williams, who turned 36 on gameday, also missed a contested short stab in the Texters’ last offensive possession that would’ve sent the game to overtime.
“Yeah, it was (designed for me),” William said. “I felt I got fouled. It's hard to tell whether what kind of contact is allowed. I felt that I got fouled at the end of that play but that's just the breaks of the game. You gotta be able to make the play and I didn't.”
“It's tough one to take but it's not the end of the season for us. We have a lot to learn,” he added.
Coming off a game against Kia where he registered 23 points and eight boards, Williams was limited to just eight points and seven boards by the Fuel Masters.
But the former league MVP insisted it was hardly the Phoenix defense that spelled the difference.
“I don't think they did anything special against me,” Wiliams said. “I had a lot of different looks in the last game, especially with Mo being out.”
“This game, our offense was designed a little bit different and I didn't get the touches and the looks that I got the last game,” he added. “I don't think they played me any different, I think they're still more worried about Jayson and Roger and Mo in the post.”
Williams admitted the departure of Troy Rosario due to a head injury rattled the Texters.
“We had a lot of lapses and losing Troy shook us a little bit and there's a lot for us to learn,” Williams said. “Just try to move forward and by Sunday, hopefully, we'll have a better showing.”