MANILA, Philippines — Johnathan Williams III returned to action in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup and helped Phoenix Fuel Masters defeat TNT, 100-97, in overtime on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Williams, a former PBA Best Import of the Conference awardee, led Phoenix in his first game back after replacing James Dickey III. He finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds as Phoenix improved its record to 6-4.
Phoenix head coach Charles Tiu said the team is still adjusting to Williams after limited preparation time.
“This is just one game for us with him,” Tiu said. “Imagine if we can integrate him into our team. Hats off to him. He played excellently today.”
Tiu said Williams joined the team with minimal preparation and participated in only one walkthrough before the game.
“He just battled it out there,” Tiu said. “He told me he hasn’t played in a while and we only had one walkthrough with him but he wanted to battle it out with our team.”
Williams previously played for Phoenix in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup and helped the team reach the semifinals in 2024. He also won Best Import honors in that conference, averaging 24.5 points, 16.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game.
Phoenix is scheduled to face the Macau Black Knights on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium as it continues its Commissioner’s Cup campaign.