BARANGAY Ginebra coach Tim Cone described the effort of Scottie Thompson on Sunday as “Jaworski-like” following the Kings’ come-from-behind win over Magnolia in the 2022-2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Thompson scored nine of his 14 points in the fourth quarter while contributing four rebounds and six assists as Ginebra overcame a 15-point deficit to defeat Magnolia, 103-97, in front of 12,087 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
READ: Ginebra deals Magnolia its first loss behind classic NSD comeback
Cone said Thompson embodied the NSD (never say die) spirit of Ginebra on Sunday.
“I grew up watching Sonny Jaworski in the old Toyota days and early Ginebra days. I’ve never seen someone bring back a team like Sonny Jaworski except tonight when Scottie brought us back,” said Cone.
“That was really Jaworski-like tonight,” said Cone.
Thompson came alive in the fourth, enabling Barangay Ginebra to erase a 58-43 deficit. Before that, Thompson was only 1-of-4 from the field, but two baskets started a 9-2 run that put Ginebra within striking distance, 82-85.
That was enough for Ginebra to swing the momentum.
A short stab by Thompson finally gave Ginebra the lead, 97-93, the first since the Kings scored the first four points of the match, before the Kings turned to Justin Brownlee for the key baskets.
“I’m honest. That was what I was thinking the whole game. I was watching Sonny Jaworski's barreling drives, the rebounds. It was really a tribute to Sonny tonight,” said Cone.
Thompson said the crowd was huge in getting the energy up for the comeback.
“Down the stretch, nag-huddle kami palagi kasi we want to be more solid on defense. Talagang wino-work out namin lahat. Coming into this game, kailangan namin maging solid sa defense at kailangan naming mag-communicate,” said Thompson.
“We made a run and the fans go wild na. Sumisigaw na ‘yung mga fans. ‘Yung energy namin, nabu-boost na. Thankful kami sa sixth man namin,” said Thompson.