Scottie Thompson had no doubt Jamie Malonzo would convert his kickout in a juncture so critical in Game Three of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
His playmaking wits in play yet again, the reigning MVP immediately dished the rock to the young winger upon seeing him wide open in the left corner, and the latter didn’t disappoint by delivering a cold-blooded triple with 50.4 seconds left.
It gave the Kings an 84-79 lead, making the partisan crowd of 15,000 watching live erupt in jubilation as their team trekked from 14 down in the third.
The Barangay eventually completed the comeback and scored the thrilling 89-82 victory to seize the 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
“Talagang na-feel ko na ma-shoot niya kasi momentum kami,” the star guard told reporters shortly after the match at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
That unselfishness was one of the heroics Thompson displayed. Before that dime, the do-it-all point guard cleaned up Malonzo’s mis from point-blank for the go-ahead bucket, 81-79, with 1:26 remaining.
He went on to finish with 14 points and 10 rebounds for yet another double-double outing, together with four assists and four steals.
“Na-timingan na naman,” Thompson said of that offensive board over much taller counterparts. “Hindi nila na-box out. It’s all heart. Talagang gusto kong makuha yung panalo namin ngayon. Luckily pumasok. At hindi ako na-box out.”
Then again, it was trust that ultimately won the match, and, more importantly, put the Barangay ahead in the championship affair.
“Lahat naman kami may trust sa isa’t isa. Ang system namin especially kay coach Tim, first open man. Pag-drive ko, wala nang oras, pagtingin ko open si Jamie. Jamie ‘yun eh. Talagang ginive up ko ‘yung bola,” said Thompson, who’s gunning for his seventh PBA title.
“Thankful kay God. Of course, there were the fans to thank for, too. Sila talaga ‘yung nagdala sa amin sa comeback,” the face of the league continued.
“Habang nagra-run kami, talagang ‘yung sigaw nila sa amin, talagang nakakagana, nakaka-boost, and nakakakuha kami ng momentum.”
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The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
