PBA Finals: Scottie consoles RJ Abarrientos after ‘bad’ shot in win

MANILA, Philippines—Expect Scottie Thompson to be one of the Ginebra veterans to lift up one of the squad’s young cornerstones after a horrendous game.

RJ Abarrientos had one of his worst outings in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs in Game 2 of the Finals at Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.

In Ginebra’s  71-70 win over TNT that tied the best-of-seven series at 1-1, Abarrientos was barely a factor. In fact, he even missed a crucial triple that earned the ire of coach Tim Cone.

PBA SCHEDULE Commissioners’ Cup Finals – Ginebra vs TNT

Thompson, though, said he understood the situation and defended the decision of the squad’s prized rookie.

“It happens. He was open and that’s his shot. We want him to be involved because we need RJ. We all know how good the kid is,” said Thompson.

“We also know what he can bring to this team. As a Kuya, I just need to motivate him. I have to make sure to give him the mentality that there’s still a next game.”

The Gin Kings were trailing TNT, 69-70 when, Abarrientos launched a crucial three-ball from the top of the key only to miss.

READ: PBA Finals: Justin Brownlee finds ‘no satisfaction’ amid tied series

Cone was visibly irate with the former Japanese B.League import’s shot-making decision that he immediately subbed out Abarrientos for Jamie Malonzo with exactly a minute left in the game.

“RJ’s still a young player,” said the veteran tactician.

“I thought he took a bad shot at the time, he could’ve gotten to the basket a bit better but he’ll learn from that. He’s a vet in terms of knowing the game but he’s still a rookie in terms of knowing our game,” he added.

After 13 points in Game 1, Abarrientos only finished with one point, missing all seven of his shots in 16 minutes of action.

Abarrientos hopes to have a much better showing on Wednesday for Game 3 at Philsports Arena.