Ginebra leader Scottie Thompson did something no one has done since PBA legend Johnny Abarrientos 33 years ago.
Scottie Thompson put up a career game and made history at the same time Sunday night, Jan. 11.
Thompson fashioned out a triple-double outing with career-high 35 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in Ginebra's 105-91 win over San Miguel in Game 4 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals.
As per league chief statistician Fidel Mangonon, Thompson became the first local player to produce a 30-point triple-double since Johnnt Abarrientos 33 years ago.
Abarrientos had 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 14 assists in the Tim Cone-led Alaska 115-103 loss to Swift in 1993. Incidentally, the Flying A is now an assistant coach at Ginebra for Cone.
Cone was not exactly surprised, but was still left in awe of his prized playmaker.
“I didn’t even know Scottie was putting that kind of numbers up. We’re just trying to figure out a way to win. It’s a quiet triple-double in my mind,” said Cone after the Gin Kings bounced back and levelled the best-of-seven series with San Miguel.
[RELATED STORY: Scottie Thompson after career-high, triple-double night: ’I prayed for this game’]
Cone described Thompson's tour-de-force outing as a “legendary performance.”
“It was a legendary performance. I think we’re going to remember this one for a long time,” the 25-time PBA champion mentor said.
“I think he was more aggressive tonight. He was looking for things. The more he became a threat, the more he was able to open up lanes for him to make passes as well.”
But as jaw-dropping as it was, Cone and Thompson know the job’s not done against the defending champion Beermen, who are expected to retaliate in Game 5 set Wednesday, Jan. 14.
“Like what Scottie said, every game is different. Right now, it’s just 2-2. It’s a best-of-three at this point. Let’s see what happens in Game 5,” Cone said.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.