Talk about embracing the challenge.
The main event of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Christmas Day games turned out to be a perfect gift for Never Say Die Nation and one of its best players.
Scottie Thompson tallied 12 points, including crucial triples, seven rebounds, and seven assists to help the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel fend off the stubborn TNT Tropang Giga, 86-78, on Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It was just his second game back after being sidelined by a knee injury, and the former MVP already looked like his do-it-all self.
As usual, Thompson’s overall impact can’t be measured by simply looking at the numbers, as his defense on TNT’s top gunner Calvin Oftana late in the game was also a huge factor in Ginebra’s victory.
According to coach Tim Cone, it was his scrappy point guard who actually volunteered for the job.
“They’re best buddies from the Gilas (Pilipinas) team and they’re really tight. He (Oftana) was getting loose, and during a timeout with maybe seven or five minutes to go, he (Thompson) said ‘Let me have Calvin.’ So we switched him over to Calvin,” said Cone, who coached both players in the Asian Games, in the postgame presser.
“Obviously, it was a great coaching move by Scottie,” the decorated tactician quipped with a chuckle. "He took the challenge."
Playing without import Richard Hollis-Jefferson and star point guard Jayson Castro, the Tropang Giga relied on Oftana, who stepped up and scored a game-high 27 points. Down the stretch, however, Thompson prevented his national team buddy from getting more buckets.
"Down the stretch, gusto ko lang na maging close pa rin kami ni Calvin," said Thompson in jest, adding that Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua also gave him the confidence to defend Oftana.
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Cone doubled down on the competitive fire that burned between Thompson and Oftana.
“If you went to the park, and you let Scottie and Calvin play one-on-one, they’re both going to go at each other to win, even though they’re best friends. It’s the sense of the competition that goes on,” Cone stressed.
With a 6-3 record, Ginebra has secured a slot in the quarterfinals. Cone and his wards will look to stay sharp when they face the NorthPort Batang Pier on January 7.
(PM)