By REYNALD MAGALLON
Earned. Never given.
It was a short but powerful caption in one of Kelly Williams’ Facebook posts – seemingly a clap back to a fan who messaged and asked him to just give his spot to the younger generation of players at TNT.
On Wednesday, April 24, the 42-year-old forward made a resounding reply to that, showing exactly why he was still in the PBA, more so, playing a huge chunk of minutes for the Tropang Giga.
Williams proved to have plenty of gas left on his tank, putting together a vintage performance of 17 points and 15 rebounds to power the Tropang Giga to a come-from-behind 108-101 win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters.
He poured 13 of his total in the second half when TNT climbed back from a 23-point hole behind a 42-point explosion in the third frame.
“At halftime it was me checking my ego, checking myself and seeing what I can do to help the team because that’s what coach brought me back to do, help the team with whatever I can do,” said Williams after the contest where his team climbed back from a 23-point hole.
“That’s the story of my season, that’s the story of my career – to just come in and do what the team needs,” he added.
Not only that the one-time Most Valuable Player displayed his old, deadly form on the offensive end but he also made his presence felt even more on the defense when he limited Phoenix star big man Jason Perkins to just five points in the second half after exploding for 21 in the first two quarters.
“My personal mentality against any other player, June Mar or whoever, is not really to limit any productivity. It’s just to give them some resistance and make it difficult for them. I just want to stay in front of Perk tonight and give him some resistance and make him a little bit uncomfortable,” the evergreen veteran explained.
Williams’ prime years may have long been past him but he certainly remained a valuable asset for TNT and there’s not much question why he is still in the starting five of head coach Chot Reyes.
Williams earned it and he continued to prove that he deserves it.
