SMART CLARK GIGA CITY--Phoenix Super LPG head coach Topex Robinson decided not to risk aggravating Matthew Wright's injury in the opener of their semifinals tiff against TNT on Wednesday night.
Wright suffered a right ankle sprain after he accidentally stepped on Troy Rosario's foot as he made a basket at the 7:43 mark of the first quarter.
The statistical points frontrunner played on before getting subbed out two minutes later and never went back in the game despite efforts of the team's medical staff to tape his hurt ankle.
Wright's injury was a big blow to the Fuel Masters' bid to take the opening lead as they surrendered a 95-92 decision to the Tropang Giga in Game 1 of the best-of-five tiff.
But Robinson would rather rest his main gunner early on than lose him for the entire series.
"He (Wright) asked me for my opinion. Sabi ko, 'If you're not 100-percent I’m not gonna gamble on you.' He really wanted to play but (I said), 'I don’t want to lose you eventually,'" said Robinson.
Wright only had two points and an assist in six minutes and 43 seconds of play.
With a one-day rest, Robinson said the 29-year-old cager is good to go when they try to tie the series in Game 2 on Friday.
But in case the Fil-Canadian wingman will not be in tip-top condition come the next outing, Robinson insisted that his Fuel Masters are raring to step up.
"He’ll be ready. But whether we have Matt or not, we’re gonna compete. We have all the reasons to make it as an excuse but we’re not gonna use it right now."
Wright also assured that he is ready to suit up in Game 2.
"I'll be better," he said.