Kelly Williams opens up on retirement after TNT’s PBA Philippine Cup finals loss

The TNT Tropang Giga were left nursing another painful Finals defeat after bowing to the San Miguel Beermen, 92-77, in Game 6 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals on Sunday, February 1, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The loss sealed the championship for San Miguel and ended TNT’s title bid, a bitter conclusion for a Tropang Giga squad that fought through a grueling conference. While emotions understandably ran high in the aftermath, veteran forward Kelly Williams made it clear that the setback—and his advancing age—are not enough to push him toward an immediate decision on retirement.

At 43 years old, Williams acknowledged that the thought of walking away from the game is something he must eventually confront, but emphasized that it is far from his main concern at the moment.

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“For as long as I’m here, I will always go out but it’s going to take some time to rest and recover. We will see what happens because retirement is obviously not off the table. I really don’t know for now,” Williams said during the post-match press conference.

Despite struggling to find his rhythm offensively in the series-clinching loss, Williams once again demonstrated why he remains a valuable piece for TNT. Logging nearly 36 minutes of action in Game 6, the veteran showcased his conditioning, toughness, and willingness to do the dirty work—traits that have defined his career for more than a decade.

GREAT FIGHT, TNT 🫡

The Tropang 5G exit the hardwood after their Game 6 loss at the hands of SMB. #PBAFinals @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/pEZGgnBzq7

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) February 1, 2026

His heavy workload was a testament to the dedication he continues to pour into training and maintaining peak physical condition, even as one of the league’s oldest active players. For Williams, however, the immediate focus is not legacy or longevity, but recovery—both mental and physical—after another taxing season.

“I will take some time to see where I’m at emotionally and physically. Right now, the priority is to rest and recover. We will see what happens soon,” he added.

The uncertainty surrounding Williams’ future is not unfamiliar territory. The veteran forward previously retired in September 2020, only to make a return to the TNT fold the following year, proving that his passion for the game still burned strong. Originally joining the Talk ‘N Text franchise in 2010, Williams spent nine seasons with the team before reuniting with the Tropang Giga in 2021.

Throughout his tenure, Williams has been a cornerstone of the franchise’s success. His impact goes well beyond box scores, as he has played a crucial role in TNT’s championship pedigree, helping the team capture nine PBA titles. Among those achievements was a historic Philippine Cup three-peat from 2011 to 2013, cementing his status as one of the most accomplished big men of his generation.

Williams’ individual résumé is just as impressive. Over the course of his storied career, he has collected the 2008 PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, the 2007 Rookie of the Year honor, two Comeback Player of the Year awards, two Slam Dunk Contest titles, and five PBA All-Star selections. Each accolade reflects a career marked by resilience, athleticism, and an ability to reinvent himself as the years pass.

Even in defeat, Williams continues to defy age and expectations, proving that his presence on the court—and in the TNT locker room—still matters. Whether this Finals loss marks another chapter or the closing pages of his remarkable journey remains to be seen, but for now, Kelly Williams is focused on healing, reflecting, and leaving the door open for whatever comes next.

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