SMART CLARK GIGA CITY — Inspiring others by being the best version of themselves is something that Phoenix Super LPG takes to heart, and its performance in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup can attest to that.
And if they can inspire even more people by reaching the Finals, then the Fuel Masters will do what it takes.
“If we can go to the Finals, and inspire a lot of people, that’s where we’re headed,” said head coach Topex Robinson.
“We’re gonna stay here as long as we could, because we know that as long as we’re doing our best, winning will be the by-product of everything we’re doing.“
Robinson has made clear that they intend to stay longer inside the bubble. And here they are, flirting with the chance to do just that when they take on TNT in Game Four of their best-of-five semifinal series Wednesday.
After losing the series opener exactly a week ago, Phoenix has taken the lead following their 92-89 victory in Game Three last Sunday, where main man Matthew Wright starred with 25 points.
“We’re deeply humbled and blessed that we’re in this situation,” said Robinson. “And more than anything else, it’s about how we’re gonna use our basketball as a platform to inspire a lot of people.”
Though TNT head coach Bong Ravena won’t admit it, TNT will be under a lot of pressure heading into Game Four.
Anything less than a Finals appearance will be a disappointment to many.
“May pressure pero hindi naman ‘yung desperate,” said Ravena.
“We are not going to do anything spectacular for the game.”
It was the do-it-all Ray Parks who tried carrying the fight for TNT, especially in the end-game of Game Three. Now he — along with Roger Pogoy and Jayson Castro — will surely do as much again, while the Tropa fights for dear life.
