The Phoenix Fuel Masters began the Charles Tiu era with a playoff appearance in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. Then, a conference later, the Fuel Masters looked well on their way to achieving greater success, starting the Governors’ Cup with a trio of wins that included a 98‑86 comeback victory over the Magnolia Hotshots and a 98‑97 squeaker against the Meralco Bolts.
That strong start, however, gave way to a challenging stretch that began with a 105‑98 defeat to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in a game Phoenix appeared to be winning. The Fuel Masters followed that loss with a victory against the Blackwater Bossing, only to drop back‑to‑back contests (one being an ugly loss to the Bossing) entering the break.
Where Does Phoenix Stand at the Moment
The Fuel Masters’ roller‑coaster conference sees them at third place in Group B with a record of 4‑3. It’s the same slate as Magnolia’s, but the latter would be at second if the playoffs started today due to their points differential advantage (+2 to Phoenix’s ‑2).
That 4‑3 record puts Phoenix firmly in the running for a quarterfinals spot—Tiu’s second in two conferences if ever—even as Blackwater and Meralco remain in contention, with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel still holding an outside shot. The complication comes from Phoenix’s remaining schedule, which will have them playing both Meralco and Ginebra in back‑to‑back play dates and then Rain or Shine in its elimination‑round finale.
What to Watch Out for When Phoenix Returns
Part of the reason Phoenix got off to such a strong start was the play of the explosive BJ Johnson, whose athleticism and three‑level scoring provided the Fuel Masters the kind of threat they needed, especially when the offense sputtered. However, Johnson won’t be back to finish the conference as his short‑term deal with the team has ended to give way to his prior commitment to Russian club Parma BC.
Taking Johnson’s place is Marcellus Earlington, a 6‑foot‑6 forward with professional stops in the US, Italy, and Israel. Based on early indications, Earlington looks like an inside operator who can play bully ball in the paint but is still nimble and athletic enough to attack from the perimeter. He is also a high‑energy player who can rebound prolifically, play aggressive defense, and provide physicality on both ends.
In short, Earlington seems a completely different player from Johnson, although that won’t matter much if he can give Phoenix all it needs for a strong finish.
Locals to Keep an Eye On
All eyes should be on Jason Perkins (12.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists). The longtime Phoenix cornerstone is widely considered among the PBA’s top big men, and yet he has failed to play to that level when the stakes are highest. Put simply, the Fuel Masters will need Perkins to be at his best when the league resumes action with a playoff spot likely to be contested to the very end.
Kenneth Tuffin (10.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 43.8 percent 3PT FG) and Gian Mamuyac (9.2 points, 1.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals) will also be under the microscope. Tuffin started the conference on a hot streak to help Phoenix to that strong start but has since cooled down. Mamuyac, an early‑conference acquisition via trade, has been productive but not impactful the way he was with Rain or Shine. If the Fuel Masters want to enter the quarters, Tuffin and Mamuyac will need to make an impact moving forward.
Outlook
A quarterfinals berth isn’t a sure thing for Phoenix, not with Meralco, Ginebra, and Rain or Shine coming up to end the eliminations. That being the case, the Fuel Masters have the talent to finish with a flourish, although either the NLEX Road Warriors or San Miguel Beermen could be their reward if the trends in the standings hold firm over the last few remaining play dates.
