Matthew Wright delivers for Phoenix despite illness | Inquirer Sports

Matthew Wright delivers for Phoenix despite illness

By: - Reporter / @BLozadaINQ
/ 11:38 PM April 21, 2019

Matthew Wright Phoenix Fuel Masters

Matthew Wright. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Phoenix swingman Matthew Wright was experiencing bronchitis-like symptoms prior to Game 3 against defending champion San Miguel in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals that Fuel Masters head coach Louie Alas decided to not even let his star shooter participate in practice.

Alas said that Wright was only required to attend practice but was allowed to sit out through the team drills to prevent himself from aggravating any illness the sharpshooter may have.

Article continues after this advertisement

Wright, however, wasn’t about to let some sickness sideline him for the pivotal third game that he forced Alas to put him into the starting lineup.

FEATURED STORIES

“I have a little but of a sore throat but you got to man up,” said Wright. “This is the playoffs, everybody’s aching, no one’s feeling 100 percent. We have a job to do and no way was I going to miss the game.”

Wright’s persistence eventually paid off after the Fuel Mastets took Game 3, 92-90, and pulled within 2-1 in the best-of-seven series Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Article continues after this advertisement

Alas said that he could have given Wright the dayoff but the star wingman was adamant to play against the Beermen, who are seeking their sixth straight Philippine Cup.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I could’ve let Matt rest this one out but he really wanted to play, he even got into foul trouble,” said Alas in Filipino. “He got 20 minutes of playing time but he played that sparingly. I just wish his bronchitis doesn’t get worse so I have to commend him for his resiliency.”

Article continues after this advertisement

Wright eventually finished with 18 points on 5-of-13 shooting from the field but his biggest shots were the ones from the stripe where he converted seven of his eight free throw attempts, including six inside the final 50 seconds of the game.

His two free throws 21.1 seconds to go gave Phoenix a 92-88 lead and that was enough for the Fuel Masters to hold on to the win.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I got fouled, I had to go to the line and I got to make them,” said Wright. “I missed a free throw earlier but I knew once I get to the free throw line I just try to ignore the noise and shoot the way I’ve been shooting for years.”

“We really needed those free throws down the stretch and thankfully the ball was in my hands and I was able to get fouled,” added Wright.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Game 3, Matthew Wright, PBA, PBA Philippine Cup, Phoenix Fuel Masters, San Miguel Beermen, Semifinals, semis, SMB, Sports

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.