Barangay Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson. PBA IMAGES
ANTIPOLO—Barangay Ginebra moved a game away from booking a return trip to the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals thanks in large part to its unselfish brand of basketball led by Scottie Thompson on Sunday.
Thompson was in his usual element, scoring, rebounding and creating offensive opportunities for his teammates as the Gin Kings blew past the San Miguel Beermen, 121-103, in Game 2 of their best-of-five semifinals series.
“We played unselfish basketball. We really shared the ball. Everyone’s happy because everyone scored,” Thompson said.
Thompson displayed his all-around brilliance, finishing with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
“I give credit to coach Tim’s (Cone) system because he emphasizes ball movement. Our execution just opened through the system. All of us were willing to give assists.”
Ginebra had 35 assists to San Miguel’s 20.
Even big men Christian Stanhardinger and Justin Brownlee also got their teammates involved with seven assists apiece.
“I thought we played a better game tonight than we did Friday night and these guys were incredible, so willing to give up the ball. everybody in our team will say it starts with this guy,” said coach Tim Cone, referring to Thompson.
“With him (Thompson) doing that all the time, it becomes infectious to the team.”