Phoenix’s Wright rues near-costly meltdown vs Mahindra

MANILA, Philippines – The Phoenix Fuel Masters are enjoying a high after back-to-back statement wins in the PBA. 
 

But rookie Matthew Wright still hopes he could've played in that game against the Blackwater Elite.

"I wish I had three games under my belt," the Filipino-Canadian said. "I feel guilty for that loss."

"I know I have to make up to my team," he added.

On Sunday, he did just that. The freshman, who was plucked by the Fuel Masters in the PBA's special draft last October, fired 11 of his 21 points to help Phoenix build a massive lead in their game against Mahindra.

The 6-foot-4 guard was one-half of the two-pronged assault that helped Phoenix pile as many as 30 points. He was behind JC Intal, who top-scored for the Fuel Masters.

But Wright said that was also an effort to redeem a rough shooting in Antipolo where he finished the game with 14 markers on 5-for-17 shooting.

"It was a case of first-game jitters. I'm happy I got that off my back," he added "I finally felt I could just go out there and play. The pressure's off. My teammates found me."

Nevertheless, he added that there's no time to celebrate after almost letting Mahindra erase their cushion late in their game.

"[Coach] wasn't too pleased. He wants us to stay focused and to not play down on the level on the level of other teams," Wright said. "Coming off a big win over SMB, naturally teams would try to relax especially against a team like Mahindra. They really have nothing to lose. 

"Luckily, we built enough lead in the game to cushion their 21-0 run to end the game," he added.

"[That's] inexcusable," Wright offered.

Phoenix's next assignment is Purefoods. They clash Saturday, December 10, at a venue yet to be determined.