Clutch Thompson downplays Game 5 heroics

Scottie Thompson was never Barangay Ginebra’s first scoring option during first four games of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, but Game 5 seemed to have changed the narrative altogether

Averaging just 8.3 points a game from Games 1 through 4, Thompson was a viable scoring threat, and clutch performer, against San Miguel in the pivotal 87-83 Game 5 win.

Thompson finished with a game-high 20 points, on 7-of-12 shooting, with 11 rebounds to lead the Gin Kings.

“My teammates and coaches always tell me that if I’m open I take a shot,” said Thompson in Filipino Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. “That’s all I did, I will find an open spot and shoot.”

And Thompson’s points weren’t just the run-of-the mill shots as he scored six of his fourth quarter points in the final 1:07 of the game.

Ginebra fell behind, 83-78, after June Mar Fajardo dunked on Thompson in transition with 3:17 left to play.

That, however, became the prelude to the Gin Kings’ closing 9-0 run.

Thompson’s jumper gave Ginebra the 84-83 lead off of Justin Brownlee’s assist with 36 seconds left.

“I think Scottie is going to be a more and more complete player, he’s going to be a 20-point scorer at some point in his career, he’s going to average eight to 10 assists a game, probably average 12 to 14 rebounds,” said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.

Thompson, not done with his late-game heroics, put Ginebra up, 86-83, with a breakaway layup with 23.1 seconds left.

“I’m just expecting that I will be aggressive every time I’m on the floor,” said Thompson.