TNT veteran Kelly Williams heaved a sigh of relief and expressed satisfaction in his performance after displaying his vintage form in Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup.
Nostalgia hit after Williams led the Tropang Giga with 21 points, nine rebounds, and three assists in their 102-93 victory against the San Miguel Beermen at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night, Aug. 31.
His scoring output marked the most points he had made in the post-season since dropping 23 points in TNT's 106-102 loss against Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals of the 2017 Governors' Cup.
As he looks back on his journey to return to professional basketball, the 40-year-old Williams thanked head coach Chot Reyes for the trust and he did not disappoint after becoming one of the pillars in the paint.
Reyes, after all, is one of the main reasons why Williams opted to run in back with the Tropang Giga.
"It's pretty ridiculous, right? Less than two years ago I was sitting on my couch eating Doritos," Williams jested first shifting into a more serious tone. "But I've said it. It's no question that if this man (Reyes) hadn't come back, I wouldn't have. And I'm in no better position and situation again than to be with coach Chot.
"And for myself personally, I wouldn't have come back if I didn't believe I can be in this position again. We've got a great circuit of guys and our coaching staff, everything," added the seven-time PBA champion.
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Williams, a former Most Valuable Player, also expressed gratitude to all the Tropang Giga faithful for the same trust and support.
"The support, just the unity here, to me has been unmatched. And I'm just grateful to be here."