Mixers confident as Express’ Anthony’s status still uncertain
PBA All-Stars selection head coach from San Mig Coffee Coach Tim Cone. Photo by Nuki Sabio/PBA
MANILA, Philippines — San Mig Coffee head coach Tim Cone admitted that the absence of Air21’s energy guy Sean Anthony was a difference maker.
Anthony missed Game 3 of the best-of-five semifinals series on Saturday, leaving a huge hole for the Express not only in offense, but especially on the intangibles like toughness and hustle.
“Anthony changes the game for them,” said Cone after the Mixers grabbed a 2-1 buffer over Air21 with an 84-73 win.” They’ve been playing really well since he was activated.”
Anthony was the biggest thorn for San Mig Coffee in Game 1 as the Fil-Canadian finished with career-tying 29 points on 5-of-6 shooting from downtown. He has been the Express’ go-to-guy throughout their Cinderella playoff run.
“He keys their defense, their hustle off the boards, and he’s a threat both outside inside. He’s a major player,” Cone said.
After playing through pain in Game 2, Anthony had to sit out Saturday night as the swelling in his Achilles heel worsened. He was even wearing a protective boot as he sat on the sidelines at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
And with no Anthony to worry about, the Mixers took advantage by locking in their defense on import Wesley Witherspoon, who finished with 19 points but wasn’t really much of a factor in the entire second half.
“Without Anthony there, it puts a lot of pressure on Witherspoon to really carry the team. It allows us to put on focus on him,” Cone said.
“But despite all of our focus on him, he (Witherspoon) was still able to get shots. We really played hard to try and limit him and he still got his numbers. But because of the absence of Anthony we were able to focus on him.”
The Mixers, after limiting the Express to an average of 74 points over their last two games, surely won’t allow a do-or-die game as they shoot for a third straight championship berth on Monday.
But as sure as San Mig Coffee is of its plans, Air21, with its back against the wall, remains uncertain of Anthony’s status for Game 4.
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