With prized import Justin Brownlee playing through the pain of an aching thumb, it was Scottie Thompson who ignited Barangay Ginebra with heart, hustle, and heroics to lift the Gin Kings to a pivotal win.
“His impact is immense,” Ginebra coach Tim Cone said. “You saw it more clearly (today)—Scottie can inspire the entire team.”
Stepping into the spotlight, Thompson delivered both inspiration and production in Ginebra’s gritty 73-66 victory over TNT Tropang Giga on Sunday, propelling the Kings to a 3-2 lead in the 49th PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
While Brownlee valiantly played through his injury, finishing with 18 points and 14 rebounds, it was Thompson who proved decisive in crunch time. He tallied 16 points and 10 rebounds, including critical plays down the stretch that swung the momentum in Ginebra’s favor.
Trailing 65-66 with just over four minutes left, Thompson calmly drained back-to-back jumpers to give Ginebra a 69-66 lead. Then, with 2:23 remaining, he secured a crucial rebound and assisted Brownlee for a mid-range jumper that extended the lead to five, effectively sealing the win.
“Scottie’s rebounding at the end was phenomenal,” Cone added. “At a time when we couldn’t get boards, he grabbed them and got the ball to the right people. It was a brilliant, brilliant performance.”
Maverick Ahanmisi and Japeth Aguilar added 11 points each to support Ginebra’s balanced attack, with the Kings now just one win away from clinching the Commissioner’s Cup crown.
Ginebra will aim to close out the series in Game 6 on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum, with momentum—and Thompson’s fire—firmly on their side.