There was a point in time this year when a cloud of uncertainty surrounded Scottie Thompson.
A back injury not only hounded him during the latter part of last season, but it also took away an opportunity for Thompson to contribute to Gilas Pilipinas’ 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament campaign. Back injuries tend to be tricky and careful management was important.
In the 2024 PBA Draft, the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings traded up to select RJ Abarrientos, a move that may have had Thompson looking over his shoulder. Of course, Abarrientos wasn’t acquired to replace Thompson, at least in the near term. But clearly, Thompson needed to return sooner rather than later.
There were signs of rust in his first game back during the Gin Kings’ 73-64 loss to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. His team-high 15 rebounds, however, were proof that the energy was there; Thompson just needed to get his rhythm back.
Thompson’s triple-double against the Blackwater Bossing was thus, the perfect slumpbuster and gave further credence to the idea of him and Abarrientos coexisting. They combined for 36 points, 12 rebounds, and 14 assists, providing the 1-2 punch needed to help Barangay Ginebra exact revenge over the Bossing.
This synergy carried over to the postseason, and it was there where Thompson truly rounded into form. The Gin Kings did not need to rely on Thompson’s scoring, as the likes of Abarrientos, Justin Brownlee, Maverick Ahanmisi, and Japeth Aguilar handled that aspect of the game. It was Thompson’s rebounding, playmaking, and late-game execution that remained his greatest assets.
The San Miguel Beermen were looking to extend the series and in a close Game 6, Barangay Ginebra needed to avert a collapse in the final minutes. Defensively, the Gin Kings held the Beermen in check, but they needed to close things on offense as well.
Brownlee took over down the stretch, but in between his points, it was Thompson’s fastbreak basket that gave Barangay Ginebra some extra cushion. Nevermind that the Gin Kings had the advantage on the break; they still needed to finish the play to call it a success.
Late-game finish aside, Thompson’s team-high 14 rebounds were critical in limiting the damage from SMB. Yes, San Miguel had a 21-12 offensive rebounding advantage, but it went for naught especially with Thompson taking away any additional opportunities away from them.
Now, Barangay Ginebra is on pace to get their 16th PBA title.
The Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings will certainly welcome the week-long rest before the 2024 Governors’ Cup Finals begins, more so after a gruelling series against the San Miguel Beermen. All signs are pointing to another long series this time with the TNT Tropang Giga, who boast a lineup filled with talent.
Scottie Thompson won’t be alone in facing the Tropang Giga, but they will need every ounce of his hustle and smarts because champions are made not just from scoring points, but in making the right plays when it matters most.
Thinker Pedia