PBA: Schonny Winston says no extra motivation vs former team

NLEX Road Warriors’ Schonny Winston during a game vs Converge FiberXers in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Schonny Winston saw no reason to prove a point against Converge after a key performance in NLEX’s 119-107 win in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup.

Winston was one of the reasons why the Road Warriors stretched their unbeaten start to 5-0 for top spot in Group A after posting 24 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals at the expense of his former team.

READ: PBA: NLEX veterans make transition easier for Schonny Winston

It was only the second time Winston faced the FiberXers, who dealt him to the Road Warriors as part of a three-team deal with the Meralco Bolts before the Commissioner’s Cup.

“They’re just a really good team,” Winston said when asked if there’s any fuel when facing Converge. He had 21 points when he first met his ex-employer in NLEX’s 100-81 victory last May.

“We know that they’re going to go out there and compete and so we wanted to match their energy or exceed it,” added Winston.

NLEX blew a 42-23 lead late in the first quarter before Winston conspired with import DeQuan Jones, Robert Bolick and Tony Semerad to keep Jimmy Alapag perfect as rookie coach.

Converge rallied behind the exploits of Mikey Williams, with help from import Jamaal Franklin, but it absorbed a third consecutive loss following a 3-0 start in the group phase.

It was the second straight game that Winston earned Player of the Game honors as he is thriving under Alapag’s system.

“I always know it’s competitive, it’s competition. They gonna bring out their best and we’re going to bring our best,” said Winston.

“I just want to really emphasize how good they are and we have to keep continue bring it every time.”