TNT still managed to score the Game 1 win over Rain or Shine in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup even without veteran Kelly Williams majority of the way.
Uncertainty surrounds Kelly Williams after the veteran TNT big hurt his calf muscle in the Tropang Giga’s 90-81 win over Rain or Shine in the opener of their PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup semifinals on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
TNT head coach Chot Reyes said Williams asked to be subbed out late in the first period after “tweaking something in his right calf muscle.”
“We hope it's nothing serious. But he couldn't put any weight on it,” Reyes said post-match at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
This was a big blow for the Tropang Giga, who see Williams as the import stopper. He was tasked to guard hefty Elasto Painters import Aaron Fuller.
“You know that Kelly is our primary import defender. We'll need a lot of him. So were praying it's something that he can recover from,” the veteran mentor said.
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But even though Williams sat out the rest of Game 1, TNT still managed to hold down the Elasto Painters thanks in large part to Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
The former Best Import unloaded 26 points, including the dagger of a four-pointer that gave the Tropang Giga a comfortable 90-79 spread with a little under two minutes remaining
Hollis-Jefferson added 13 rebounds and nine assists as he flirted with a near triple-double. He also logged five steals and four blocks.
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In the absence of Williams, Poy Erram and Henry Galinato stepped up.
Reyes gave props to the duo for filling the gaping hole.
Erram finished with five points, four rebounds and two steals in 18:43 on the floor, while Galinato contributed two rebounds and an assist in 10 minutes of play.
“Siya (Williams) 'yung nagpa-sub, eh. He really felt something in his calf from the start,” Reyes said.
“Good thing we got good games from Poy and Henry Galinato.”
Reyes and TNT are keeping their fingers crossed that Williams will be ready in time for Game 2 on Friday, Oct. 11.
Tipoff is at 5 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.