Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
Photo by PBA Images

Basketball

With Ross guarding Williams, TNT hopes the ‘other guys’ pick it up


Mikey Williams didn’t have his usual scoring numbers in the series opener of TNT’s Honda PBA Philippine Cup semifinal affair with San Miguel, Sunday.

Averaging 17.7 points prior, the Fil-Am guard was just limited to seven points. And that, according to Tropang Giga head coach Chot Reyes, is because none other than two-time Defensive Player of the Year Chris Ross was guarding him.

“Well, he’s being guarded by I think the best defensive guard in the league – Chris Ross. We knew that he would struggle,” he said.

But as they say, there’s more to the game than putting the ball through the hoop. And the former G-League veteran showed just that.

Williams delivered in other facets. He collected a team-high eight rebounds and dished out six assists in nearly 41 minutes of play.

“The important thing for Mikey and every player on our team,” said Reyes, “it’s really not about scoring. It’s ‘What can I contribute to this team?’ And Mikey contributed with his rebounding and his assists, and that’s important.”

The 29-year-old didn’t really have to worry much about scoring as his teammates took care of that, led by Roger Pogoy with 23 points.

Then there’s also veteran playmaker Jayson Castro with 16 points on top of his six boards and six dimes. The frontcourt tandem of Poy Erram and Troy Rosario, meanwhile, finished with 15 and 14 markers, respectively.

And the Tropang Giga left the DHVSU Gym with the pulsating 89-88 victory, which is the most important thing for the team.

#ReadMore  Munzon, Pasaol to bring past experience vs Qatar, France to Gilas 3x3

“For us, all that matters is the W,” said Reyes.

“And so, if Mikey isn’t scoring, some other guys are scoring and picking it up. In the end, that’s what the team is all about.”

Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.




You May Also Like

Basketball

Jericho Cruz and CJ Perez delivered their best showings in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals to date as San Miguel pummeled TNT,...

Basketball

TNT head coach Chot Reyes is doing what he can to keep his wards composed as the injury bug once again plagues the traditional...

Basketball

San Miguel overpowered a TNT side that had to make do with a thin frontline on the way to a 108-88 victory and build...

Basketball

San Miguel took its fate into its own hands, finishing strongly to beat a woeful TNT, 98-92, and even things out in the PBA Season...

Basketball

TNT got fortunate enough in the endgame and escaped San Miguel, 99-96, to take Game 1 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals,...

Basketball

Don’t even bother throwing any ‘asa sa import’ jab at Chot Reyes and TNT. No one from the Tropang 5G is giving much thought...

Basketball

Despite everything that came its way, TNT is marching on to the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals after showing Rain or Shine the...

Basketball

Already dealing with a slew of injuries, TNT will also be without head coach Chot Reyes for Game 5 of the 2025 PBA Philippine...

Advertisement