Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
(C) PBA Images

Basketball

Tim Cone surprised Scottie Thompson ‘only’ has eight triple-doubles in PBA


Ginebra head coach Tim Cone couldn’t believe it upon learning that Scottie Thompson ‘only’ has eight PBA career triple-doubles thus far.

No less than league stats chief Fidel Mangonon III said as much when the owner of 25 league titles wondered what the Kings’ record is on the times the reigning MVP tallied the rare feat, which he did with much ease back in college.

“He’s only had eight triple-doubles? I’m talking about career. Only eight triple-doubles in his career? Seems like a lot more than that,” Cone said.

According to the numbers guru, the crowd darlings are 6-2 on nights Thompson comes up with a trip-dub, including Sunday’s Governors’ Cup Finals opener.

2023-PBA-Governors-Cup-Finals-Game-1-TNT-vs-Ginebra-Scottie-Thompson Tim Cone surprised Scottie Thompson 'only' has eight triple-doubles in PBA Basketball News PBA  - philippine sports news

(C) PBA Images

The Perpetual legend finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists as Ginebra beat TNT, 102-90, to draw first blood in the best-of-7 series.

If ever you wonder, the last time he tallied a triple-double was in Game 2 of the semis versus San Miguel just last March 26, where he registered 21 markers, 11 boards, and the same number of dimes in their 121-103 win.

Cone is, of course, beaming with pride, saying that his star guard’s triple-doubles are ‘like a recipe for winning’ — and he’s definitely not wrong with that take, given their winning percentage when he does as much.

“It seems like every time he gets a triple-double, it’s like a recipe for winning. That means the ball is moving, that means the team is hustling, and that’s a good recipe for success,” said the 65-year-old mentor.

#ReadMore  Belmonte's late three, Alarcon's hustle propel UP past Taiwan Beer in Interleague Play

Thompson, however, said that he wasn’t aware that he finished with a triple-double as he and the team were locked in tight on defense.

“Honestly, unconscious ako. Talagang all out lang kami this Game 1. Aggressive lahat ng kung pwedeng maibigay, extra possession sa team,” said the 29-year-old native of Davao, who played for over 44 minutes — the most he’s had this conference.

“Naka-focus din kami super sa defense, especially yung guards nila, loaded guards — Mikey Williams, Jayson Castro. Kaming mga guards doon kami naka-focus sa kanila, to defend their guards. Bonus na lang ‘yun.

The 2023 PBA Governors Cup Finals is live-streamed on SMART Sports.

Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.




You May Also Like

Basketball

The usual suspects came through as Meralco took down Barangay Ginebra in a heated encounter, 82-73, to formalize its entry to the PBA Season...

Basketball

During the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao — two players seen as key pillars of the Gilas Pilipinas program...

Basketball

Scottie Thompson rushed to the hospital right after Barangay Ginebra’s streak-saving win against Blackwater in the PBA Philippine Cup on Friday night. Head coach...

Basketball

Japeth Aguilar knocked down the game-winner as Barangay Ginebra withstood the upset-hungry Blackwater, 101-99, for its third straight win in the PBA Season 49...

Basketball

As Gilas Pilipinas braces for the grueling journey toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup, the potential return of 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto looms large...

Basketball

Ginebra found its touch from beyond the arc early and shot down Phoenix, 119-112, to post back-to-back for the first time in the PBA...

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone knows that tournament draws — like lotteries — are unpredictable and completely out of anyone’s control. And on...

Basketball

There was no such thing as homecourt edge as Ginebra handed Converge an 85-66 beating to go above .500 in the PBA Season 49...

Advertisement