A GENTLE nudge from Barangay Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua was all it took for Scottie Thompson to break out of a slump in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.
The former MVP revealed that the team official reached out to him the morning after the Kings' Game 3 loss against the Meralco Bolts, reminding him of his roots and reigniting his drive.
“Ni-remind niya ako kung paano ako nagsimula. Ni-remind niya kung sino ako. Coming from Boss Al, yung words na binigay niya sa akin,” recalled Thompson, who was shooting 11-of-45 in the best-of-seven series prior to Game 4.
“Iba yung feeling coming to this game na na-motivate ka ni Boss Al.”
Thompson's stellar performance on Friday night in Ginebra's 90-71 victory over the Bolts at the Mall of Asia Arena certainly validated the impact of those words.
The 30-year-old University of Perpetual Help alum wrapped up the game with 15 points and five rebounds, contributing to the Kings' effort to even the best-of-seven series at 2-2.
“Boost ng confidence sa akin,” said Thompson of the pep talk given him by the San Miguel Corp. sports director.
His confidence was palpable throughout his 26 minutes on the court. Despite failing to reach double-digit scoring in the first three games of the series, Thompson only missed one of his seven field goal attempts in Game 4, showcasing a remarkable improvement in his performance.
More than just Scottie's breakout
Although happy he finally regained his shooting stroke, Ginebra's do-it-all guard was more elated to see his squad get back on track after losing back-to-back in Games 2 and 3.
“Breakout game para sa amin as a team. Everybody contributed well. Yun lang ang gusto namin: na makakuha ng spark para ma-shape yung series (ulit),” he said.
“Good thing naitabla namin.”
The pivotal Game 5 is set Sunday also at the Mall of Asia Arena.
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