Kelly Williams’ return couldn’t have come at a better time now that TNT is entering the crucial stretch of its PBA Governors’ Cup title defense bid.
The veteran big played his first game back on Thursday and helped the Tropang Giga sweep Meralco in their group phase series.
And he left head coach Chot Reyes beaming as he finally has one of his old reliables in the fold again.
“I thought he was big,” offered the champion bench tactician during the postgame presser of their 108-99 victory at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Williams, 42, missed TNT’s first six games of the conference due to a calf injury before suiting up again in Round 2 of the all-MVP Group showdown.
His presence was key especially defensively as he and his fellow frontcourt players challenged opposing import Allen Durham by giving different looks.
“We knew Allen Durham was going to go out and attack us after his so-so performance in our first game against them, so it was important that we had Kelly to be a secondary defender tonight,” Reyes said.
But the former league MVP was crucial, too, on the other side of the floor. He sparked the 6-0 run toward a 106-97 lead with 50.5 seconds left – a run that proved enough to keep their mastery of the Bolts.
Williams saw action for a total of 15 minutes and 45 seconds, and finished with nine points, six rebounds, and a pair of steals.
The Tropang Giga improved to 5-1 following the win and took the solo lead anew in Group A, virtually sealing the first quarterfinal ticket as well.
With three games remaining in its preliminary round campaign, Williams coming back plugs in much-needed size to the center position. And more importantly, adds another veteran presence for the repeat-seeking crew.
“I think we have the smallest starting lineup in the league,” said Reyes. “We’re starting Rondae [Hollis-Jefferson] at center, then we have Glenn Khobuntin, obviously we have Poy [Erram] coming off the bench.
“Kelly gives us not only the size, but the athletic ability and veteran leadership like tonight,” he added.
“We really need him especially coming down the stretch – not only in this elimination round but as we approach the playoffs.”
