Scottie Thompson’s Heroic Performance
In a thrilling match at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Monday night, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup with an 86-78 victory over TNT. The game showcased the brilliance of Scottie Thompson, the 2021 league MVP, who played a crucial role in the team’s comeback jiliko.
Thompson’s Clutch Three-Pointers
Thompson’s standout performance included 12 points, with two pivotal three-pointers in the final 1:34 of the game. The first three-pointer, part of a 10-2 run, gave Ginebra a 82-76 lead, and the second sealed the victory with just 31.2 seconds remaining. Thompson’s timely shots helped the defending champions overcome a 13-point deficit, jiliko displaying his clutch prowess on the court.
Coach Cone Acknowledges Thompson’s Impact
Head coach Tim Cone recognized Thompson’s exceptional contributions, emphasizing his ability to take over in critical moments. Cone stated, “It was a tough game for us, but Scottie took over in the end and hit some big shots. The game jiliko could have gone either way, and credit goes to Jolas for that.”
Ginebra’s Overall Standing and Playoff Aspirations
The victory marked Ginebra’s second consecutive win, bringing their overall standing to 6-3. Coach Cone highlighted the importance of every game as they approach the end of the elimination round. “This is essentially playoff basketball. Our goal is to stay in the Top Four,” he added, emphasizing the team’s determination to secure a favorable jiliko position for the upcoming playoffs.
Standhardinger and Bishop’s Contributions
Christian Standhardinger led Ginebra with an impressive stat line of 22 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, while Tony Bishop added 15 points and 12 rebounds, along with six assists. The dynamic duo played a crucial role in Ginebra’s success, showcasing the team’s depth and versatility.
Thompson’s Defensive Mastery Against Oftana
Calvin Oftana of TNT led the scoring with 27 points, but in the final period, Scottie Thompson effectively neutralized him. Coach Cone revealed that Thompson requested to guard Oftana during a crucial timeout, showcasing both his defensive prowess and strategic understanding of the game. Cone expressed pride in Thompson’s decision, labeling it a “great coaching move.”
TNT’s Depleted Lineup and Ginebra’s Resilience
TNT played without key players Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Jayson Castro, leading to a challenging game for the Tropang Giga. Despite their depleted lineup, they held a 74-72 lead in the fourth quarter, making Ginebra’s comeback jiliko victory all the more impressive.
Key Contributors for TNT
Veteran big man Jewel Ponferrada contributed 14 points and seven rebounds, while Glenn Khobuntin added 13 points for TNT. The Tropang Giga suffered their second consecutive loss, bringing their record to 4-5 in the standings, highlighting the challenges they faced without key players.
In summary, Scottie Thompson’s heroics, combined with strong performances from Standhardinger, Bishop, and others, propelled Ginebra to a crucial victory, securing their spot in the quarterfinals of the Commissioner’s Cup.