Scottie Thompson helped shove the Ginebra Gin Kings closer to another semifinal appearance in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
Scottie Thompson could not stress enough the importance of rest before going to war in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.
This, according to Thompson, was the key to Ginebra's 100-92 win over playoff rival Meralco in Game 1 of the quarterfinals Wednesday, Feb. 5.
“Naging key sa’min 'yung rest,” said Thompson, whose team last played on Jan. 29 against the same team.
“Especially playoff time, we play every other day. [So] crucial sa'min 'yung pahinga.”
Thompson did look rejuvenated, prancing around for the Gin Kings and ending up with a conference-high 23 points he spiked with seven rebounds, six assists, four steals and a block.
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Justin Brownlee and Japeth Aguilar also delivered solid games.
The naturalized Filipino put up 23 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a steal, while the high-flying forward churned out 19 markers and nine board.
Youthful playmaker RJ Abarrientos, who has a wealth of experience playing professional basketball after stints in the Korean Basketball League and Japan B.LEAGUE, added 14 markers.
The quartet rallied the Gin Kings in the final period, scoring all of the team’s 22 points there to propel the squad closer to a semifinal berth.
“As a veteran, kailangan kong mag-step up tuwing playoffs. Alam natin kung gaano kahirap manalo sa playoffs. Every game, sorang hirap,” said Thompson.
“I think lahat naman kaming mga beterano, magaganda ang laro. Alam namin kung anong at stake sa game na ito.”
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Chris Newsome paced Meralco with 20 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, while import Akil Mitchell returned with a double-double outing of 19 points and 14 boards.
Jansen Rios scored 13, while Chris Banchero and Bong Quinto combined for 23 points for the Bolts, who will look to even the series in Game 2 on Friday, Feb. 7.
The match starts at 5 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 100 – Thompson 23, Brownlee 23, J.Aguilar 19, Abarrientos 14, Rosario 8, Malonzo 7, Holt 6, Ahanmisi 0.
MERALCO 92 – Newsome 20, Mitchell 19, Rios 13, Banchero 12, Quinto 11, Almazan 8, Black 5, Hodge 4, Bates 0, Cansino 0.
Quarterscores: 24-17, 50-47, 78-76, 100-92.