Mikey Williams’ renewed focus has become a major driving force in TNT’s ongoing war against Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.
In a series where certain players had off-nights, the reigning scoring king has been one of the few consistent figures, showing the form that’s a tad reminiscent of what he had in the Bacolor bubble not so long ago.
“Just having a different mentality,” said the 31-year-old guard. “Definitely coming in more ready, more mentally focused each and every day.”
Wednesday night saw Williams drop 15 points on three triples, four rebounds, three assists, and a block to help TNT to the 104-95 victory.
The win moved the flagship MVP Group franchise a win away from ending the Kings’ two-year reign, and the position they’re in right now is largely thanks to the star gunner’s efforts, not just in the important Game 5 alone.
Even prior to Wednesday, he was already averaging 19.75 points on 42.6-percent field goal shooting, including a 46.3-percent clip from beyond the arc, as he has greatly contributed to the team’s three-point machinery.
A big key behind those outings, Williams offered, has been the confidence given by his teammates, which encourages him to play his game more.
“My teammates are really leaning on me to just be myself, and that confidence from them just makes my job a lot easier,” he said.
“So, just trying to preserve myself when needed, just trying to maintain my aggressiveness but at the same time, make sure I get my teammates involved too,” the 2021 Philippine Cup Finals MVP added.
Helping hugely as well is the presence of an NBA veteran in Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, whom Williams said is “leveling up everybody” in the team.
“His mental focus, just his leadership, and his NBA mind are something great to experience,” he said of the newly-crowned Best Import.
“Because, you know, certain situations, the IQ kicks in, just finding ways to tweak this or fix that, and make those subtle adjustments which make our jobs a lot easier,” continued the former G-League veteran.
Williams and TNT now head into Friday’s crucial Game 6 with the advantage on their side, but the former no. 4 overall pick refuses to get too confident, for he’s expecting no less than a battle to ensue.
“I think [tonight’s] win was a breath of fresh air. But they’re never-say-die over there, so you can’t take them lightly,” he warned. “They’re gonna come on Friday ready to battle. It’s not gonna be easy.”
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The 2023 PBA Governors Cup Finals is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
