The Tropang Giga made it six wins in a row and seized solo lead with an 8-1 win-loss record.
While Calvin Oftana drilled the game-winning putback, there was no doubt in TNT Tropang Giga coach Jojo Lastimosa’s mind Kelly Williams was the best player of the game.
This after the Tropang Giga pulled off an escape act against the San Miguel Beermen, 105-103 in their PBA Governors’ Cup match on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena.
“Let me just say this off topic about this guy,” Lastimosa said, pointing to the TNT veteran. “I’m just gonna give him some praise. Kelly tonight was huge. No doubt he’s the best player of the game.”
The 41-year-old forward had 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists but his impact in what appeared like a playoff preview couldn’t be seen in the stat sheet. For Lastimosa, it’s his work on the six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo that did wonders.
“He scored some buckets but more than that, we know that Kelly, when it’s June Mar, he forgets he’s 41 he thinks that he’s 21 years old and I love that,” he said. “I love the competitiveness of Kelly when it’s June Mar.”
Fajardo finished with 12 points and 13 rebounds but didn’t really do much in the fourth period save for a quick two that tied the game at 100-all with a minute and 4 seconds remaining.
It wasn’t an easy job but it is one Williams embraces.
“I think with any player, when you play against the greats, the night before you have to start getting your mind right. And obviously June Mar is one of the, if not the greatest, is one of the greatest to play here. Definitely one of my hardest challenges, so I make sure I get extra rest and get a good meal, calm my mind and get ready for war,” Williams said.
TNT seized solo lead with an 8-1 win-loss record before leaving for the EASL Champions Week in Japan.