Ultra-aggression pays for Scottie Thompson

The reigning MVP might very well be the barometer of these Finals.

Scottie Thompson, as he has done so many times in the past, once again turned the tide completely in Barangay Ginebra’s favor, leading another strong third quarter for the crowd darlings. And, as usual, he did it with his trademark hustle, snaring rebounds, blocking shots, getting to loose balls, and keeping possessions alive for the Gin Kings.

The 29-year-old guard seemed to be everywhere all at once for Ginebra. There was Thompson twice swatting away a layup by the 6-7 Ju Mingxin. There was Scottie diving to the floor to keep a loose ball back Ginebra’s way, then snaring an offensive rebound and scoring a putback off a Japeth Aguilar miss — all in one sequence. There was the MVP forcing a jump ball on Andrew Nicholson, and then winning it to give the Gin Kings another possession.

The numbers don’t lie: 14 points, 9 rebounds (4 offensive), 6 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. And most of those came in that pivotal third quarter, when the Gin Kings built their first double-digit lead — a cushion they never surrendered.

Thompson was surprisingly aggressive on offense as well, calling his number rather uncharacteristically several times. The Best Player of the Conference candidate posted up Glen Yang thrice, getting a three-point play and two free throws. He also went right at Kobey Lam in transition, taking him deep in the paint, only to get whistled for an offensive foul to nullify what would have been a finger roll beauty.

It was a turnover, all right, one of Thompson's 6 for the game. But it underscored a level of aggression that is a notch higher even by Thompson's lofty standards.

This ultra-aggressive Iskati certainly bodes well for the Gin Kings. But it is bound to spell big trouble for Bay Area and Coach Brian Goorjian, whose lead guards are likely not used to such ferocity and fearlessness — on both ends.

Expect the reigning MVP to ramp it up even more in Game 2 and beyond.