Phoenix import Jonathan Williams.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
Phoenix set the longest successful streak in franchise historical past on Wednesday to achieve momentum heading right into a marquee showdown on Christmas Day that may give the Gas Masters a much bigger platform to showcase why they’re among the many prime groups within the Philippine Basketball Affiliation (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup.
“Regardless if it’s Christmas or not, we’ve got to do our jobs,” lead assistant Jon Jacinto mentioned after the Gas Masters continued their unbelievable run of kind.
The Gas Masters improved to 7-1 following their 113-104 win over the NorthPort Batang Pier at Good Araneta Coliseum they usually now enter a vital homestretch starting with a conflict in opposition to the San Miguel Beermen in what has been referred to as essentially the most great time of the yr.
Whereas basketball followers will likely be basked within the glow of Christmas celebrations, Phoenix will attempt to grind out a win that might enhance its possibilities of a prime 4 end and a twice-to-beat benefit within the quarterfinals. That purpose, nevertheless, is similar factor San Miguel is chasing.
“It’s what it’s, enjoying on Christmas Day. We’ll be ready, we’ll do our job,” Jacinto mentioned after taking the rostrum for the postgame press convention in lieu of an exhausted coach Jamike Jarin. “However with J3 main us, we’ll be prepared,” added Jacinto, referring to import Johnathan Williams, who had one other robust efficiency for Phoenix.
Williams nearly had a triple-double with 38 factors, 19 rebounds, 9 assists, three steals and two blocks for Phoenix, which gained regardless of having to play a person down as Jason Perkins sat it out due to what the staff described because the flu.
Hefty lefty
Perkins’ absence confirmed that Phoenix can win regardless of the drawback by way of manpower. There’s no telling what the ceiling for the Gas Masters is as soon as the hefty lefty returns.
San Miguel is simply the primary cease in Phoenix’s bid to run the gauntlet earlier than coming into the playoffs in mid-January.
Phoenix additionally has Meralco on faucet on Jan. 10 earlier than taking over TNT on Jan. 14.
Rookie Ken Tuffin, Tyler Tio and Larry Muyang additionally performed properly for the Gas Masters, who broke their earlier report for consecutive victories each set within the 2019 Philippine Cup and 2020 Philippine Cup.
Each conferences noticed the Gas Masters make the semifinals, with a roster that included Perkins, Calvin Abueva and Matthew Wright. Of the three, solely Perkins stays however the present squad hopes to at the very least match that feat.
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NorthPort suffered a blow in its bid to achieve a major spot within the playoffs, dropping to 5-4 with a second straight loss.