SMART CLARK GIGA CITY — Phoenix Super LPG head coach Topex Robinson was asked about the severity of Matthew Wright’s injury after Game Two of their 2020 PBA Philippine Cup semifinal joust versus TNT, Friday night.
The 29-year-old is still nursing a sprained right ankle, which he incurred just six minutes into their series opener last Wednesday. Wright landed on Troy Rosario following a leaner and has not yet returned to the court.
Robinson’s response?
“At this point, Matt doesn’t care about his injury,” he said. “Sabi niya, ‘yung injury niya could take care of itself after the bubble. And he’s not gonna offer any excuses.
“If I call his number, he’s gonna be ready.”
Wright proved as much in Game 2, playing for 15 minutes despite not being at a hundred percent. He only had two points, but his presence and his leadership proved vital for the rest of the Fuel Masters.
Entering the playoffs, he was averaging 22.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and a second-league best 6.0 assists.
Robinson shared how Wright advised his teammates to stay focused after erecting a 15-point lead at the half. He also reminded them of their elimination round meeting, where they coughed a 14-point lead early and lost badly.
“He’s finding ways to support the team in the best way that he can, so he makes sure that his teammates are in check,” said Robinson. “He reminded them during halftime that it happened to us before, when we were playing TNT.
“We were up by double-digits, and it all boiled down, and we lost that game,” added the youthful bench tactician, referring to their 91-110 loss to the Tropa last Oct. 19. “Matt was just encouraging his teammates.”
Phoenix took it to heart. When TNT came back and took the lead with five minutes left to play, it remained composed despite the threat. Calvin Abueva and Jason Perkins then steadied the ship to bag the 110-103 victory.
Robinson said that Wright remains committed to helping his team in whatever way he can.
“‘Yun ‘yung best that he could do right now, and he committed himself to be one of the best cheerleaders on the bench. He will find ways to help this team, in any way that he can,” he said.
“Right now, as much as our doctors are stopping him from playing, he said, ‘I’m not gonna let this opportunity pass me by.’ So he’s committed to that. Whatever happens, whatever it takes,” he continued.
“It doesn’t have to be on the court playing literally, but being at the bench, being ready, and providing support… I think ‘yun ‘yung mas importanteng nagagawa niya.”
