Scottie Thompson owned up to his mistake that nearly cost Ginebra the win over TNT in Game 2 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals Sunday.
The former league MVP committed a total of five turnovers, the last of which was an errant pass that went straight to opposing winger Calvin Oftana entering the game’s final 11 seconds, giving the Tropang Giga a chance to win it.
Fortunately for the Kings, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson couldn’t get off a decent shot as he found himself stopped by Stephen Holt — and, yes, their lead point guard.
“Nakita ko kasi, tatlo sila nandoon, tapos papunta sa akin lahat. Lapses, bad decision-making for me. I’ll take that, ino-own ko ‘yun,” Thompson said moments after their 71-70 victory that tied the series at 1-1 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
That particular play saw Thompson try to save the possession for the Barangay when the ball was about to sail out of bounds along the sideline.
But instead of keeping the rock in play for his side, it went right to his Gilas Pilipinas teammate in a turnover that left his team — and of course, the majority of the 12,925 screaming people inside the venue — shocked and anxious.
“Talagang hindi ko siya nakita nung una kasi parang natakpan nung dalawa niyang kasama eh, so pagpasa ko biglang sumulpot siya,” he said.
Thankfully, though, he made up for that error by helping last season’s Rookie of the Year prevent the two-time Best Import from stealing the game.
Thompson felt proud of how Ginebra defended as a whole, especially with how the crew limited a usually potent TNT offense to just 70 points — including four in the second quarter alone and 19 in the first half.
“Good game sa amin ‘no, I think ‘yung defense namin bumaba ‘yung scoring. I think crucial sa’min ‘yun,” said the 31-year-old, who flirted with a triple-double in Game 2 after finishing with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists.
Still, Thompson held himself accountable and vowed to do better come Game 3, set for Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
“I just want to move on right now and be ready sa Game 3, because I know it will be tougher,” offered the seven-time league champion.
“Those lapses na nangyari sa game namin ngayon, I’ll be mindful and be better.”
