Phoenix continues rise ahead of ‘gauntlet run’

Phoenix import Jonathan Williams.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Phoenix set the longest winning streak in franchise history on Wednesday to gain momentum heading into a marquee showdown on Christmas Day that will give the Fuel Masters a bigger platform to showcase why they are among the top teams in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup.

“Regardless if it’s Christmas or not, we have to do our jobs,” lead assistant Jon Jacinto said after the Fuel Masters continued their incredible run of form.

The Fuel Masters improved to 7-1 following their 113-104 win over the NorthPort Batang Pier at Smart Araneta Coliseum and they now enter a crucial homestretch beginning with a clash against the San Miguel Beermen in what has been called the most wonderful time of the year.

While basketball fans will be basked in the glow of Christmas celebrations, Phoenix will try to grind out a win that could boost its chances of a top four finish and a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. That goal, however, is the same thing San Miguel is chasing.

“It is what it is, playing on Christmas Day. We’ll be prepared, we’ll do our job,” Jacinto said after taking the podium for the postgame press conference in lieu of an exhausted coach Jamike Jarin. “But with J3 leading us, we’ll be ready,” added Jacinto, referring to import Johnathan Williams, who had another strong performance for Phoenix.

Williams almost had a triple-double with 38 points, 19 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and two blocks for Phoenix, which won despite having to play a man down as Jason Perkins sat it out because of what the team described as the flu.

Hefty lefty

Perkins’ absence showed that Phoenix can win despite the disadvantage in terms of manpower. There’s no telling what the ceiling for the Fuel Masters is once the hefty lefty returns.

San Miguel is just the first stop in Phoenix’s bid to run the gauntlet before entering the playoffs in mid-January.

Phoenix also has Meralco on tap on Jan. 10 before taking on TNT on Jan. 14.

Rookie Ken Tuffin, Tyler Tio and Larry Muyang also played well for the Fuel Masters, who broke their previous record for consecutive victories both set in the 2019 Philippine Cup and 2020 Philippine Cup.

Both conferences saw the Fuel Masters make the semifinals, with a roster that included Perkins, Calvin Abueva and Matthew Wright. Of the three, only Perkins remains but the current squad hopes to at least match that feat.

NorthPort suffered a blow in its bid to gain a significant spot in the playoffs, dropping to 5-4 with a second straight loss.