Ginebra star Scottie Thompson stays grounded even after ‘legendary performance’

MANILA, Philippines — Scottie Thompson made sure his best scoring output in a PBA game did not go to waste, leading Barangay Ginebra to a crucial 105-91 victory against the San Miguel Beermen in Game 4 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals on Sunday, January 11.

“I think we fought hard every quarter. Luckily, it was a good night for me, we found our rhythm as a team, and I think that was the most important,” Thompson said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Thompson logged a career-high 35 points on 13-of-18 shooting, hauled 11 rebounds, and dished out 11 assists to help Ginebra knot the best-of-seven series at 2-2 against the defending champion.

Yet the former PBA Most Valuable Player downplayed his fantastic triple-double performance, deflecting all credit to his teammates.

“The main key was limiting [San Miguel’s] guards and June Mar (Fajardo) on defense, and thankfully we got the W,” he added.

Longtime Ginebra head coach Tim Cone called his floor general as one of the most humble he’s coached after hearing Thompson’s thoughts on the game.

“[Being humble] has been his thing his whole career. Let me just say, this has been a legendary performance. I think we’ll remember this for a long time,” Cone said.

“Scottie is one of the most humble guys you’ll meet outside of June Mar… you’ll see that in the Gilas team,” the national team coach added.

Ginebra fired on all cylinders, dishing out 34 assists on 41 made field goals, as four more Gin Kings ended the game in double-digit scoring.

Jayson David played a crucial role off the bench with 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists as well.

Facing the defending champion, Cone stressed that his team needs to buy into thinking that they could topple the dynastic Beermen.

“That’s what I think the biggest battle that we have to overcome, just to believe that we can overcome this team,” said Cone.

Ginebra held Fajardo to just 9 points on 3-of-14 shooting, but still managed to collar 20 rebounds.

Perez and Ross combined for 42 points, with Cruz chipping in 15 markers and 6 boards.

“You see (Chris) Ross, and (Marcio) Lassiter, and CJ (Perez), and June Mar, just looks like such a formidable team, then you add (Don) Trollano, and Jericho (Cruz), it’s really tough,” said Cone.

But clearly, Ginebra can be just as tough with Thompson taking the lead. – Rappler.com