TNT guard Mikey Williams. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Mikey Williams expects things to be even harder as TNT attempts to deliver the knockout blow on Barangay Ginebra and win the PBA Governors’ Cup crown in the sixth game of their Finals series Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Tropang Giga are up 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, giving them two chances to take home the season-ending trophy, but Williams is in no mood to step off the gas pedal especially against the well-experienced Gin Kings side.
“I think today’s win was a breath of fresh air,” Williams said after TNT took a 104-95 victory in Game 5. “But they’re (Ginebra) never-say-die over there, so you can’t take them lightly.
“They’re gonna come on Friday ready to battle. It’s not gonna be easy,” added the sophomore guard, who is arguably the team’s most consistent performer in the series.
Williams is averaging 18.8 points on 41-percent shooting with 2.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists through five games of the Finals to put TNT to its current position.
One of the things that has benefited TNT is Williams’ three-point clip, making 22 of 51 shots for 43 percent, reviving memories of his performance in the 2021 Philippine Cup Finals against Magnolia in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Williams was later named Finals MVP as the Tropang Giga beat the Magnolia Hotshots in five games.
“[I’m] Just having a different mentality,” Williams said. “Definitely coming in more ready, more mentally focused each and every day. My teammates are really leaning on me to just be myself, and that confidence from them, it just makes my job a lot easier.
“So, just trying to preserve myself when needed, just trying to maintain my aggressiveness but at the same time, make sure I get my teammates involved, too,” added Williams.