Redemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie Thompson

Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

MANILA, Philippines—Last season’s PBA Governors’ Cup results left both Ginebra and Meralco yearning for that championships.

The Gin Kings were seeking redemption after failing to complete a three-peat in 2018 while the Bolts remained empty-handed in the season-ending conference after two trips.

Both were hungry for a title, but Ginebra just happened to be hungrier side, said Scottie Thompson.

“I think I can say we were hungrier than Meralco because we really felt we could get the Governors’ Cup,” said Thompson in Filipino after the Gin Kings capped the series with a 105-93 Game 5 win Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Redemption was sweet for Ginebra, which lose to Magnolia last season and kissed its three-peat hopes goodbye.

“This is one of the best titles we’ve won because we lost the Governors’ Cup last season and we took it back,” said Thompson, who averaged 8.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.6 steals for Ginebra in the finals.

“What makes this one more special is today is the birthday of boss Al so this is our gift to him.”