PBA: ‘Miller Time’ returns in Barako win

MANILA, Philippines – It’s Miller time.

When the Barako Bull Energy clawed back from a 16-point deficit heading into the fourth period to stun San Mig Coffee on Wednesday night, PBA fans became witnesses to something they’ve not seen for a long while.

Although two-time PBA Most Valuable Player Willie ‘Thriller’ Miller’s exposure has faded as he has aged, the Olongapo City native showed again just why is a two-time winner of the most-coveted individual distinction.

Miller delivered, pouring 13 points in the fourth period, including key baskets during a pivotal run that saw the Mixers’ 78-62 lead vanish into thin air.

Miller finished with 19 points on 50% shooting, to go along with 5 rebounds and 10 assists, helping his squad end a three-game losing streak with a 92-90 win and remain alive in playoff contention.

Although the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup is all about reinforcements, the realization came that Energy import Josh Dollard could not carry Barako Bull’s hopes solely on his back.

“Kailangan may magstep up. Hindi kaya ipanalo ng import na siya lang. Maski 40 points a game hindi ma-sustain eh,” Miller said about how difficult it is for Dollard to play each night. (Someone needs to step up because even if Dollard scores 40 a night, we cannot sustain winning.)

(RELATED: Josh Dollard heartbroken but still positive for Barako Bull)

Miller stressed the importance of having other players scoring and sticking to their plays. Their prolific import is averaging 41.5 minutes per match, which sometimes takes its toll in the fourth period.

“Nagsasabi siya na hindi lang pwedeng siya ang ii-score. Nung nakaraan nahihirapan kasi pinapabayan na lang namin yung import magdecide on offense.” (Dollard told me he can’t be the only one who scores. In our previous games we were letting him decide on offense while the others just watch.)

The decorated PBA star has been in the league for 13 years, averaging career numbers of 13.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 3.9 APG; he is known for finishing games strong and giving his squads clutch baskets, earning him use of the ‘Miller time’ on the local scene.

Although Miller’s numbers have dipped and his role has been reduced to a vocal leader from the sidelines, the 36-year-old veteran showed just why he is among the greatest players in the PBA.

In the Energy’s two wins, Miller spent more than 30 minutes on the floor and scored 19 points, grabbed 6.5 rebounds, and dished out 7.5 assists per outing.

Defense in the final quarter was also crucial for coach Bong Ramos’ troops, who limited San Mig to just 12 points – one less than Miller’s 13 fourth-quarter points.

“Mas pinagtrabahuhan namin ang depensa namin. Nakakuha kami ng maraming rebounds at nakatulong samin yun,” he added. (We worked hard on defense; we got more rebounds and that helped us.)

“Hopefully makatulong pa yung depensa namin.” (Hopefully we can get a lift from our defense.)

Barako Bull’s record is at 2-3, still in contention for the next round of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Miller also reached a milestone after hitting his lone triple last night. He became only the 8th player in league history to convert on at least 800 three-pointers.

Miller’s time in the league may already be numbered, but as long as he can, he will lead his squad to success. – Rappler.com