Import Donovan Smith is moving on from the Phoenix Fuel Masters' struggles in 2024 as they look forward to a better finish in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Wins haven’t followed the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup despite the strong campaign of import Donovan Smith.
Fortunately for the 6-foot-9 big man, his offensive prowess finally resulted in another win for the Fuel Masters as they took down the Terrafirma Dyip, 122-108, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday, January 7.
Smith finished with a game-high 37 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and blocked five shots in the process, helping Phoenix secure its second win in the conference for a 2-5 record.
“This is a new year and it's a fresh start,” Smith said during the post-game press conference.
“We can't worry about the last six games that already passed because it's in the past, so now we just have to focus on the next games coming ahead and just put our best foot forward and continue to build on this win that we have today,” he added.
But more than his scoring contributions, Smith made sure to credit his teammates for the work they did on the defensive end as well.
In the second quarter, the Fuel Masters limited the Dyip to just 13 points.
“I was a lot more vocal on both ends of the floor, so I think that's what really contributed to us winning. Just holding guys accountable and having guys hold me accountable as well on both sides of the floor,” said Smith. “I feel like that's the biggest reason why we won today because we played together for 48 minutes.”
[ALSO READ: PBA Commissioner’s Cup refresher: Terrafirma, Blackwater, Phoenix, NLEX hope for better 2025]
Jason Perkins had a solid outing as well for Phoenix with 16 points on 6-of-6 shooting from the field.
Ricci Rivero put up 14 markers, while Tyler Tio and Kai Ballungay had 10 apiece.
Terrafirma import Brandon Walton-Edwards had a double-double of 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Louie Sangalang added 22 in the loss.
Kenmark Carino also contributed 11 points and seven rebounds in his return for the Dyip after dealing with a knee injury to start the conference.
The Scores:
PHOENIX 122 – Smith 37, Perkins 16, Rivero 14, Tio 10, Ballungay 10, Tuffin 8, Muyang 7, Jazul 4, Alejandro 4, Manganti 3, Daves 3, Garcia 2, Salado 2, Verano 2, Ular 0
TERRAFIRMA 108 – Walton-Edwards 25, Sangalang 22, Paraiso 16, Nonoy 12, Carino 11, Hernandez 7, Manuel 6, Melecio 5, Pringle 2, Ramos 2, Catapusan 0
Quarterscores: 29-36, 60-49, 88-84, 122-108