Phoenix guard Matthew Wright (R) drives past TNT center Poy Erram in their Game 3 matchup of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines—Matthew Wright has long established his reputation as one of the better players in the PBA with a couple of All-Star Game MVPs under his name and inclusion into the 2018 Mythical Second Team.
It’s in the current Philippine Cup, however, that saw Wright ultimately shattering the glass ceiling that proverbially prevented him from becoming a superstar in the eyes of the viewing public.
Wright has been the driving force behind Phoenix’s spirited run in the semifinals and a bum right ankle hasn’t stopped him from putting the team on his back especially in the Fuel Masters’ 92-89 Game 3 win over TNT.
Head coach Topex Robinson was in awe and at the same time unsurprised with Wright’s attitude despite the painful ankle that prevented him from playing his full game in Game 2.
“Matthew just said he doesn’t care if he has a bad ankle or not, it’s not an excuse for him,” said Robinson Sunday at Angeles University Foundation. “He said ‘just call my name coach, I’m ready and I’m gonna contribute.’”
“He’s not letting go of this opportunity and this platform to inspire a lot of people.”
Wright injured his ankle in Game 1 of the series and played sparingly in Game 2 as he recovered from the pain.
Though the ankle hasn’t fully recovered, Wright powered through the pain and poured in 25 points, on 5-of-11 shooting from deep, including the dagger jumper that put the Fuel Masters up 2-1 in the five-game series.
“His ankles are still swollen, but he said ‘if I’m not gonna play now, when will I play?’” said Robinson. “At the same time, he cannot let his team down. He needs to be there. He can make an excuse and not play but he said he’s just gonna let it fly.”