PBA Finals: Struggling on offense, Scottie Thompson still impacts Ginebra win

Barangay Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson tries to score against TNT during Game 1 of the PBA Governors’ Cup. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Despite his shooting woes, Ginebra star Scottie Thompson still had his fingerprints all over the Gin Kings’ Finals opening win over TNT on Sunday at Araneta Coliseum.

Thompson, who finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists in their 102-90 win against Tropang Giga, said he was playing “unconscious” and did not realize he was on track for another triple-double.

“Honestly, I was unconscious and we all just played all out for this Game 1. Everyone was aggressive, everyone gave whatever extra possessions they could give the team,” the reigning PBA MVP said in Filipino.

“The triple-double is just a bonus.”

Although not having the best shooting night, sinking only 4-of-12 from the field, Thompson stressed the importance of his defense compared to his offense.

The Gilas mainstay, backed by fellow guards Stanley Pringle and Jeremiah Gray, led the squad’s defensive effort in the backcourt.

“We were super focused on defense, especially since TNT is loaded with guards. Us guards, we were focused on that end,” Thompson said.

The Gin Kings’ defense worked wonders for coach Tim Cone. 

Ginebra hounded TNT star Jayson Castro just four points on an abysmal 2-for-9 shooting from the field.

Roger Pogoy, who averaged 19.1 points per outing in the season-ending conference, also had a hard time against the stifling Ginebra defense.

Pogoy struggled mightily, finishing with only six points in 35 minutes of action.

“He had to play all 24 minutes of the second half.  Before you know it, we just had no time to take him out,” said Cone of Thompson, who logged 44 minutes.

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