TNT veteran Kelly Williams on a stretcher. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—TNT big man Kelly Williams suffered a strained back and had to be stretchered out the playing court in Game 1 of the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup finals Wednesday at DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Williams exited the game at the 5:21 mark of the third, a few seconds after he botched a dunk, and wasn’t able to finish the Tropang Giga’s 88-70 win over Magnolia.
TNT head coach Chot Reyes kept his hopes high but he also knew the severity of Williams’ back spasms.
“[It happened] when he tried to go up for the dunk, he can hardly walk,” said Reyes. “I hope he gets better but it doesn’t look to good now.”
Post-game 🏀 @KelWilliams21 had to be brought out of the venue in a stretcher due to extreme back spasms pic.twitter.com/6PmtzrNnGX
— PBA (@pbaconnect) October 20, 2021
Williams is now doubtful for Game 2 of the finals.
The 2008 MVP was a steady presence for the Tropang Giga finishing with 10 points, six rebounds, and three assists in Game 1.
Williams is only three games into his return to the team after he was placed for more than a week under the league’s health and safety protocols.