It happens to the best of us.
Johnathan Williams missed one too many free throws in the Phoenix Fuel Masters' 116-107 triple overtime loss to the Meralco Bolts to jumpstart the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.
Williams shot 9-of-19 from the foul line and muffed a pair with still 8.2 seconds remaining in the second extra period and the scores tied at 103-all.
He was a non-factor the rest of the way as the Bolts went on to complete the comeback win from 15-points down and force a sudden death on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
But Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin was quick to come to his prized reinforcement’s defense.
“The free throws he missed, that doesn’t count,” he said after the match at Philsports Arena in Pasig City. “It was the result of the game. Things happen like this.”
Jarin had a point. Williams logged 62 minutes and 22 seconds to become only the fourth reinforcement to play over an hour in a single game.
Tired and all, he still delivered 24 points and the same number of of rebounds for the Fuel Masters. That’s why there’s no doubt in Jarin’s mind the lanky import is the right man for the job.
“We have full confidence in him. He’s gonna bring us to the semifinals,” said the outspoken mentor.