Thompson warns against sitting idly on 2-1 semifinal lead
By the time the lights were shut down at Araneta Coliseum late Sunday evening, Scottie Thompson had every reason to gloat about Barangay Ginebra’s decisive advantage.
Instead, the one-time MVP was circumspect.
“This is big for us but it’s not guaranteeing anything,” Thompson said after Ginebra’s 100-90 win over San Miguel Beer in Game 3 of their Philippine Cup semifinal. “San Miguel’s a veteran team. They know what to do after coming off a loss so we have to be ready.”
It was a fitting note of caution. Despite the Gin Kings’ 2-1 series lead, there was little sense that either side had landed a knockout blow. The Beermen are still the most dominant team in this tournament over the last decade and have a depth that they can tap into.
And they can go as deep as guys like Kris Rosales, who could scarcely crack the team’s rotation last week but emerged a key piece against Ginebra’s pace and perimeter activity.
“I want to take advantage of the time given to me, whether it’s three, five minutes or whatever the case may be,” Rosales said after Sunday’s loss. “When I’m in there I just want to have a positive impact on the team.”
While his offense has been up-and-down in the series, Rosales provided an extra defensive presence for the team.
“It’s been my focus,” Rosales said. “I know when I get in that I’ll have certain matchups so my job on this team is to make sure I contain those matchups.”
Containing Thompson and backcourt partner RJ Abarrientos is a tall order. Thompson’s stat line—16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block—was a reminder of why he remains a key factor for Ginebra despite playing through a niggling injury.
San Miguel will try to even the series on Wednesday and June Mar Fajardo’s status will again be in focus. The eight-time MVP recorded 12 points and 14 rebounds in Game 3, willing himself into double-double territory in limited minutes.
“We don’t want to see a hurt player, but for us, if we can get the advantage of getting an unhealthy June Mar, we’ll take it,” Thompson said. “Even when he’s not healthy, he’s very tough. [I have] a lot of respect for him.”
