TNT definitely welcomes the return of veteran big man Kelly Williams to the fold, especially with many more obstacles still in its path for the rest of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination phase.
Williams has yet to play for the Tropang Giga this conference, as he only got back from the US just before 2024 ended after helping the franchise retain its Governors' Cup championship against Barangay Ginebra.
The former league MVP already showed up in uniform Tuesday night against Meralco, but coach Chot Reyes opted not to play the 42-year-old power forward just yet.
“It’s good that Kelly is here already. We didn’t use him (today) because he already had three practices, but wala pa siyang full scrimmages,” said Reyes following TNT’s close 101-99 win over the Bolts at the Philsports Arena.
READ: Clutch RHJ free throws save TNT in face of fiery Meralco comeback
The Tropang Giga had to overcome the gutsy comeback by the Bolts in the homestretch, especially with their big men Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Poy Erram each saddled with five personal fouls.
The presence of the 6-foot-6 Williams could have been a big lift for TNT, which saw its huge 44-21 lead in the second quarter dissipate in the homestretch amid a fiery comeback by Meralco, which even led, 97-94, late in the game.
Nonetheless, the Tropang Giga proved steadier in the endgame, as Hollis-Jefferson knocked down two clutch free throws in the final 10 seconds to clinch the team’s third straight win for a 3-2 slate.
Now, Reyes said TNT will slowly but surely integrate Williams back into its system.
“So we have these next couple of days for Kelly to get back into the scheme of things,” said Reyes.
“We’ll definitely need him against Converge.”
The surprising FiberXers are next for the Tropang Giga on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, while still in their schedule are games against Barangay Ginebra, NLEX, defending champion San Miguel, and Rain or Shine.
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