IN a conference where the anticipation was on the possible return of Calvin Abueva, Matthew Wright showed once again that he can carry Phoenix Super LPG on his shoulders.
Wright erupted for 36 points as the Fuel Masters started their 2020 PBA Philippine Cup campaign on a high note with a 116-98 victory over Meralco on Monday at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.
With Abueva still suspended and no more than a virtual fan, the Fil-Canadian deadshot hit 11 of his 23 field-goal attempts including four threes on his way to a spectacular debut and a 1-0 record for the Fuel Masters in the Philippine Cup.
Wright, who came nine points shy of the 45-point production of TNT’s RR Pogoy on Sunday, also gave interim coach Topex Robinson a rousing debut as interim head coach as the Fuel Masters wait for Abueva’s reinstatement in the league.
Phoenix also got support from other players as the Fuel Masters hit 16 threes and led by as many as 29 points against a Meralco side which decided not to field Raymond Almazan in the ballgame.