Game 1 showing a ‘confident boost’ for Mikey Williams

TNT Rookie Mikey Williams. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Mikey Williams’ first game in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup finals could be the start of a more consistent performance from the rookie.

The 2021 fourth overall pick poured in 21 points, on 8-of-15 shooting, with 10 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in TNT’s dominant 88-70 win over Magnolia Wednesday at DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Williams said his erratic play in the semifinals series against San Miguel motivated him to put his best foot forward in hopes of starting the finals on a high note.

“I just wanted to come in, be aggressive, choose my spots, and just continue to do what I’ve done all year,” said Williams. “It’s definitely a confidence boost, because I had my up and down play in the San Miguel series so that’s why I try to come in and continue to assert myself as best as I can do.”

Williams had just one match in the seven-game semifinals against the Beermen where he broke even on his shots, a 7-of-14 shooting night in Game 5, but all the other six outings were either decent or disastrous.

The versatile wing averaged 13.9 points on 32.4 shooting from the field, a total of 36-of-111 conversion, 7.0 rebounds, and 7.4 assists.

Williams added that TNT head coach Chot Reyes has given him the freedom to operate at will and this kind of confidence was what helped him pursue his shots against the Hotshots.

“Coach has given me the freedom to play my game so he’s making my job a lot easier, and that’s confidence in itself,” said Williams. “So I got to continue to build and continue to work and get better every single day.”