PBA: Timely call helps Scottie Thompson regain touch for Ginebra

Barangay Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson during Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Scottie Thompson got some much-needed boost for Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals from a simple phone call.

After the Gin Kings evened their series with the Meralco Bolts via a 90-71 domination on Friday, Thompson revealed that there was a driving force that made things easier for him in Game 4.

Thompson said he got a call from Ginebra team manager Alfrancis Chua and that conversation turned out to be crucial for the former PBA MVP.

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“Yesterday morning before practice, Boss Al called me right when I woke up. He talked to me and the motivation he gave was just different,” said Thompson in Filipino.

“He reminded me of where I came from, who I am when I play and his words are just different. The feeling coming to today’s game was also different because of Boss Al’s motivation, so big credit to him for boosting my confidence. It showed today. I really needed that, it was a game changer.”

Chua’s words worked wonders for Thompson, who was in a shooting slump in the first three games of the semifinals.

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In Ginebra’s 87-80 loss in Game 3, Thompson had just eight points on 2-of-13 shooting from the field.

But with the help of Chua, Thompson redeemed himself by scoring 15 points on 6-0f-7 shooting in Game 4.

“Honestly, I’m so happy now because we got back to the series. It’s a breakout [game] not just for me but for everyone as a team. Everybody contributed well and that’s all we want, get a spark and shake the series.”

“Their confidence and morals are very high so it’s a good thing we tied it.”

Thompson hopes to sustain his form in a pivotal Game 5 on Sunday.