VETERAN TNT big man Kelly Williams’ status was uncertain for the PBA Philippine Cup Finals after missing the last two games of the semifinals for the Tropang 5G.
The only thing that’s sure is Williams’ desire to be there for his team.
That’s why the pain in his ankle notwithstanding, Williams not only suited up but started for TNT in its 99-96 win over San Miguel in Game One of the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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“We weren’t really sure of what’s going to happen. I’ve been day to day since the injury. I just knew I had to be out there with the guys,” Williams said.
And the 43-year-old’s availability is certainly more than just ‘veteran presence,’ for his team, his role is certainly more than the intangibles.
Despite playing with two really good big men in Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Poy Erram, Williams remains the most effective one-on-one defender against June Mar Fajardo in the post.
His ability to hit threes consistently also gives TNT an added dimension on offense, as he forces Fajardo out of the paint – opening the floor more for his teammates.
In Game One, all of his baskets came from downtown – hitting three for nine points, to go along with seven rebounds, four assists and a steal in the gutsy, albeit controversial, win.
“It’s sore as it should be whatever, none of it matters right now. I just want to get wins,” he stated.
“Next man up as Chot always said. I’m gonna get as many minutes as I can. I have trust in our guys that they are gonna fill in wherever they need to fill in,” he continued.
“I’m proud of our effort. We still have a lot to fix going into the next game but we just got to get wins.”
With so much at stake, it’s not surprising to see Williams leave it on the floor, hurt ankle and all.
But the soft-spoken big man said that the grand slam is just a byproduct of what he truly wants – more titles.
Grand slam bid or not, Williams will still be making the same sacrifices.
“It’s not the grand slam. It’s the finals. It’s just it. I came back because I want to win the championship,” he said.
“It just so happened that this finals is for the grand slam. I just want to win. We’re looking at Wednesday and no forward ahead.”
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