BOCAUE – It’s easily the sweetest of ’em all.
Scottie Thompson ranked Barangay Ginebra’s 2022-23 PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship as the one he savors the most, for their triumph means so much not just for the ball club itself but for the league and the entire country as well.
The Kings on Sunday night conquered Bay Area in Game 7 of the Finals, foiling the visiting side’s bid of becoming the first foreign guest team in 43 years to a league crown on their way to clinching their seventh ring since 2016.
“‘Di natin alam kung kailan ulit mangyayari ‘to eh, ‘yung guest team na makalaban sa Finals. Para sa akin ito ‘yung pinakamasarap,” offered the reigning MVP moments after the 114-99 victory at the Philippine Arena here.
“Kasi hindi lang Ginebra but [for] the league, and the whole Philippines.”
Ginebra’s 15-point win to seal the gold was undeniably their most convincing victory in the series after close affairs in the previous meetings, which saw both squads exchange wins that ultimately led to a deciding Game 7.
The Kings actually had the opportunity to close it out in Game 6 but Myles Powell and the team from Hong Kong simply refused. And Thompson admitted being filled with doubts if they can get the job done given their foes’ fight.
(C) PBA Images
“Siyempre, andun ‘yung pressure,” he said,
“Andun ‘yung mga iniisip kung kaya ba namin.”
They did take care of business and did so before a record crowd of 54,589 fans. The Davao del Sur native himself served as one of the catalysts of the title clincher as he finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, and six steals.
“Credit to Coach Tim [Cone], the coaching staff, kay Boss Al (SMC sports director Alfrancis Chua). Talagang makikita mo sa kanila, sila ‘yung positive, nadadala kaming players,” said a grateful Thompson, who’s won his seventh title.
“Magandang birthday gift para kay Boss RSA [SMC Pres. Ramon S. Ang].”
Moving forward, Thompson believes that their latest championship would be of great help in the Barangay’s growth as a unit especially for the younger ones such as Jamie Malonzo and Jeremiah Gray, to name some.
“Moving forward, maraming bata rito sa team namin ngayon and magsasama pa kami ng matagal, marami pa kaming pagdadaanan at makukuhang mga ganitong pakiramdam, mga ganitong championship,” he said.
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The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
