BOCAUE — Scottie Thompson has made and missed big free throws in his stellar Ginebra eight-year career.
However, even the reigning PBA Most Valuable Player admitted that the most heartbreaking misses he had were the ones who could not make for Gilas Pilipinas on Monday evening at the Philippine Arena here.
The Philippines rallied from a 25-point lead against Jordan, trimming the lead down to one with 31.8 seconds left.
However, Thompson, a 58.3-percent foul shooter in the ongoing 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup, missed both of his free throws.
Eventually, Gilas’ four-game winning streak in the qualifiers was snapped by the visiting Falcons, 91-90.
But Gilas head coach Chot Reyes is not pinning the blame on Thompson.
“Like I told Scottie, don’t get down on himself. He would not have gotten to the free-throw line if he didn’t get the rebound anyway. Walang kumuha ng rebound na yun e,” said Reyes as Thompson had snatched an offensive board off of a Justin Brownlee miss before being fouled by Mohammad Hussein.
There have been numerous moments in the history of the Philippine Men’s National Basketball Team that are reminiscent of what happened against Jordan.
The most painful of which was, of course, Olsen Racela’s crucial miss against Korea in the 2022 Busan Asian Games.
“Those things happen and Scottie will be a much better player after that. That’s what happened before in our history. I know you remember those things in the past,” said Reyes.
“It was his efforts that he got the offensive rebound. Unfortunately, he missed. When it matters, I know Scottie won’t miss again.”
Thompson has been spectacular in the Qualifiers, averaging 6.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in six games played.
Against Jordan, he was also part of the Gilas Five – that also includes the likes of Brownlee, Jamie Malonzo, Jordan Heading, Dwight Ramos, and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. – that sparked the hijack attempt.
“We just tweaked some things in our defense during halftime and made a more intentional effort to counter what they were doing defensively. We gave up 60 points at halftime. Tim Cone was almost having a heart attack at halftime. We only gave up half of that in the second half,” said Reyes.
“Great adjustment kapos lang talaga.”
