By REYNALD MAGALLON
Scottie Thompson shrugged off the jinx that usually haunted players who win top individual honors but Ginebra still couldn’t pull off a victory in Game 4, dampening what was supposed to be a great and festive night for the reigning Most Valuable Player.
The night when both Thompson and Justin Brownlee claimed the Best Player of the Conference and Best Imports ended with disappointment as the Gin Kings got embarrassed by an import-less Bay Area side, 96-84.
Coming into the game with all the odds on their side after winning Game 3 and playing the Dragons without statistical leader Andrew Nicholson, the Gin Kings failed to capitalize and let a massive 17,236 fans disappointed inside the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
But no one is more disenchanted than Thompson who admitted having mixed feelings after his celebration turned into disappointment in just a two-hour span.
“Yung pagka-award ang sarap sa pakiramdam. Pero mixed emotions kasi the main goal is to win the championship,” said Thompson who wound up with 18 points, six assists and five rebounds.
“Maganda yung achievement as an individual, but mas masarap na nakuha ko ito (BPC), and at the same time, makuha namin yung championship. Ayun, panandaliang sarap lang ito. Moved on na ulit,” he added.
Ginebra actually looked poise to take control of the contest especially during the second quarter when it led by as many as 12 points. The Dragons however made sure to give the Kings a dose of their own medicine as Kobey Lam spearheaded a huge fourth quarter onslaught that completely shackled the opposing team.
“In-expect din namin talaga na mas aggressive sila, all locals. Na-outwork kami, medyo nag-relax din kami siguro konti,” Thompson admitted.
“Maganda rin talaga ‘yung pinakita nila lahat. Especially down the stretch, fourth quarter hindi na sila nagmimintis. We tried our best, pero ang dami naming lapses sa game, dami naming nakikitang mali,” he added.
Good thing, Thompson and the Kings still have time to lick their wounds and make the necessary adjustments come Game 5 still at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“I think, good thing nangyari sa’min ‘to, hindi pa Game Seven. We still have time na mag-adjust and to figure out kung ano ‘yung dapat gawin namin sa next game.”
