This time, Mikey Williams wasn’t doing things all by himself.
With his teammates giving the super rookie the needed help, the TNT Tropang crushed the Magnolia Hotshots, 106-89, in Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga on Wednesday.
The 6’2" Williams got support from the Tropang Giga at the crucial stages of the game, allowing TNT to post its third win in four matches and zero in on the All-Filipino crown.
Williams knocked in nine of his game-high 26 points for the Tropang Giga in the first half after being limited to just two points in the second quarter.
“We really have no first group, second group or third group. We just have 15 guys. And everyone and anyone who is asked to come in to play a role is accountable, and he has to be able to deliver,” said Tropang Giga coach Chot Reyes.
With a heavily-guarded Williams unable to break free, Kib Montalbo took over, providing eight points, including two treys which shoved TNT ahead, 39-29, with 7:25 to go in the second quarter.
Ryan Reyes provided additional firepower, with his three-point play helping the Tropang Giga stay up by 10, 46-36, with 3:16 left before the half.
Jason Castro and Dave Marcelo pitched in in the third, giving TNT a 19-point lead, 74-55.
Marcelo then struck thrice in a row in the final 35 seconds of the third as TNT stayed ahead by 16, 82-66.
Castro added 12, while Reyes and BJ Heruela sank 10 and 9, respectively. RR Pogoy also made nine, with JP Erram hitting eight for the Tropang Giga.
TNT forward Troy Rosario played limited minutes and made only five points.
He had to rest for most of Game 4 after suffering spinal shock from a nasty fall in Game 3 from an accident, along with a dislocated pinky finger of his left hand.
Calvin Abueva, who was named Davco-PBA Best Player of the Conference, unloaded a game-high 28 points for the Hotshots and led five teammates in double digits.