KENNETH Tuffin’s game-winner last Saturday enabled Phoenix to win its second straight match and bring right back into the conversation in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup.
When asked what went right for the Fuelmasters in this stretch, Tuffin said the holiday break is a big reason for it as they were able to regroup.
The 27-year-old said there were a few contests where Phoenix came close to winning, but couldn't close it out in the end.
He's confident they've learned from those close losses.
READ: Tuffin tip-in propels Phoenix to massive upset over Rain or Shine
“I think we had a good reset over the Christmas and New Year break so we were able to come back fresh,” said Tuffin.
“I think we struggled so much in the first few. I think the results obviously showed losses but there were some bright spots there, because we were up big most of those games, against Eastern and San Miguel. So I think now, we’re just hopefully trying to close out the games, I think that’s the biggest point for us,” he added.
“If we can keep doing some good things, I think we’ll be good,”
Tuffin and the rest of the Fuelmasters are now gearing up for their next game against Magnolia on Thursday at the Philsports Arena with playoff implications.
Phoenix is in a share of ninth place with NLEX with a 3-5 win-loss slate, while Magnolia is at 11th with 3-6.
They're only half a game behind eighth-running San Miguel (4-4) for the final quarterfinals seat.
“I think just more focus and more urgency, to be honest,” said Tuffin on what has changed for the team. “We know we’re in a must-win situation if we want to make the playoffs. With every game moving forward, we’ve got Magnolia next, and then NLEX after that," he said.
“Everything for us right now is must-win, so if we want to make the playoffs, that’s definitely our goal. Hopefully, we can do that."
Phoenix has beaten the top-tier teams in the Commissioner’s Cup in NorthPort and Rain or Shine, and Tuffin said they will use that experience in the next games.
“It’s cool like there’s a lot of talent in this league and every day if you don’t show up prepared, anyone can win. I think there's been a few upsets this conference as well. We’re going to keep fighting as they say, fight to the Phoenix and all that kind of stuff. So again, hopefully we can get the Magnolia one and keep this win streak going,” said the former New Zealand pro player.
On his game-winning shot, Tuffin deflected credit to his teammates, stating that it's a team effort.
But it is a milestone he'll savor, as he considers it as his first game winning shot of his young PBA career when he scored on a follow-up off a Jason Perkins miss with 0.7 seconds left on their way to a 93-91 win over Rain or Shine.
“That’s a team effort. I think I just put it down to some good timing. I’ve been trying to crash the boards the whole night so it’s kind of nice for something to pop my way for once. It was good. Happy with the result.
“Obviously, we definitely needed this win so hopefully we can stack these up and keep getting some wins this new year. Two-game win streak for the new year, not bad so far,” said Tuffin.
“I think it was my first conference against Converge in Philsports,” said Tuffin, when asked about his last game-winner. “I had a slip with Perkins, and our import was Johnatan Williams. I wasn't so much with that. I think it was like three or four seconds last time. This one was a bit close to one second. So I'd say this is probably my first one, literally.”
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