Mikey Williams’ hot hand helps TNT clinch the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup title. –Marlo Cueto/Inquirer.net
MANILA, Philippines–Mikey Williams considers TNT’s run to the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup crown as the most special among the two championships he has already won in his short career in the big league.
“It feels real here,” Williams said shortly after receiving the PBA Press Corps Finals Most Valuable Player for leading the Tropang Giga past Barangay Ginebra, 97-93, in the title-clinching Game 6 Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Williams was asked of the comparisons between the latest conquest to the one he savored back in the 2021 Philippine Cup when TNT defeated Magnolia under very different circumstances.
TNT prevailed inside the campus of Don Honorio Ventura State University in Bacolor, Pampanga as the league implemented a semi-bubble setup held without the presence of any fans.
“In the bubble, you know, it’s a lovely situation,” said Williams, whose team stayed in nearby Clark during the course of the conference.
'IT'S A SPECIAL DAY.'
WATCH: This is what Mikey Williams had to say after scoring 38 points and claiming Finals MVP honors in TNT's title-clinching win over Barangay Ginebra in Game 6 of the PBA Governors' Cup Finals. #PBAFinals | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/lfDMvC8BKH
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 21, 2023
“But this feels more absolute. Way more better feeling, better blessing,” added Williams, who shone under the bright lights of the Big Dome and before 13,000 fans that were mostly Ginebra fans.
He sizzled for 38 points on nine three-pointers, including a bank shot from way deep that put TNT in the driver seat at 95-93 with 1:15 to go in the thrilling affair.
Most of Williams’ threes came in the first half when TNT fell behind by double-digits. He already had 26 points with seven from downtown by the time the two teams entered the locker room for intermission.
“It’s a special day,” Williams said. “I had it going. I owe it to my team to stay aggressive because we’re playing a tough team in Ginebra.
“They wouldn’t go away. They made a run, we weathered the storm, we made a run and that’s why we’re here right now,” he added.