Scottie Thompson sparks Barangay Ginebra to a Game 3 win against TNT Tropang Giga in the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson had one simple motive heading into Game 3 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.
With the Gin Kings down 0-2 in the best-of-seven series, the squad’s main guard was determined to give Ginebra a shot in the arm and he did so but providing the spark in the 85-73 win over TNT at Araneta Coliseum on Friday.
“This is the Finals now. We need to grind it out every game so of course, coming into this game, we were down so I wanted to help,” said Thompson in Filipino.
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“This is the perfect time to show our NSD (Never Say Die) spirit.”
The former PBA MVP showed up as Vintage Scottie with an all-around game of 15 points, five rebounds and four assists plus a steal on the defensive end.
Thompson knew how high the stakes were for the Gin Kings in Game 3 as they avoided a 0-3 hole that only one team in league history has been able to overcome.
“This is such a huge win for us because if we didn’t get this one, our backs would be against the walls in Game 4,” said Thompson.
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Thompson also drew motivation from sharing the floor with longtime Ginebra playmaker LA Tenorio.
Tenorio, who didn’t play in Games 1 and 2, complemented Thompson’s game with nine points as a starter with 16 minutes of action.
Veteran Ginebra guard LA Tenorio during the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals Game 3. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“I was confident playing with Kuya LA because we already know each other for how many years now,” Thompson said.
“Even when he’s off the court, he’s the one who coaches me and I was excited even before this game when I found out that we’ll play alongside each other. He’s a winner.”
Thompson and the Gin Kings look to even the series in Game 4 on Sunday, still at the Big Dome.