It was playmaking at its best for Scottie Thompson in the Ginebra Gin Kings' latest victory in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
Ginebra takes pride in putting premium on ball movement night in and night out.
The Gin Kings showed the rest of the league just that after dishing out 33 assists in a 119-112 win over Phoenix in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup on Friday, May 16.
Nearly half of those came from Scottie Thompson, who handed 13 dimes on top of 17 points and two rebounds for the crowd darlings, who upped their record to 4-2.
Through its selfless play, Ginebra seized control in the second period, where it outgunned the Fuel Masters, 35-23.
In the same quarter, Thompson assisted six times.
Ginebra playmaker Scottie Thompson protects the leather against his Phoenix defenders during the mainer of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Friday, May 16. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Ginebra may be on track for a Top Four finish at the end of the elimination round, but Thompson felt that he and his teammates still have their work cut out for them.
“I think ang maganda sa'min, nakakuha kami ng back-to-back (wins) pero marami pa kaming kailangang i-correct sa practice,” Thompson said after the match at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
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“We have to be ready every time. Kailangan pa naming mag-adjust pa. Kasi marami pa ring kulang.”
While Thompson impressed with his playmaking, RJ Abarrientos, Japeth Aguilar and Stephen Holt did their part on offense.
Abarrientos fired 25 points built on five three-pointers, Aguilar scattered 24 markers to go with seven rebounds, four assists and a block, while Holt wound up with 18 markers.
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Meanwhile, the Fuel Masters suffered a second straight defeat to crash to 2-5.
Jason Perkins lit up with 28 points on top of five rebounds and five assists for Phoenix, which staged a furious rally in the final minutes that went futile.
RJ Jazul chalked up 18 markers, while Tuffin added 17 points.
Ginebra looks to keep going when it returns to action on May 23 against Blackwater at the same venue.
Ginebra vs. Phoenix Scores:
GINEBRA 119 – Abarrientos 25, J.Aguilar 24, Holt 18, Thompson 17, Malonzo 15, Rosario 8, Pessumal 6, Cu 3, Adamos 2, R. Aguilar 1, David 0, Pinto 0, Mariano 0.
PHOENIX 112– Perkins 28, Jazul 18, Tuffin 17, Tio 15, Ballungay 12, Garcia 6, Verano 6, Alejandro 3, Manganti 3, Ular 2, Soyud 2, Rivero 0, Cullar 0, Camacho 0.
Quarterscores: 24-27, 59-50, 92, 72, 119-112.