THE team with less issue on health definitely has the inside track of making the finals of the PBA Philippine Cup.
Scottie Thompson stressed the point after Barangay Ginebra regained the upperhand in the best-of-seven semis series against top seed San Miguel following a 100-90 win in Game 3 Sunday night.
The Beermen have been hobbled by injury to main man June Mar Fajardo (calf) since the start of the series, a major factor which the Kings try to use to their advantage.
"As much as possible hindi naman natin gusto yung may nasaktan na player. Pero sa amin, as much as makuha namin yung advantage na hindi healthy si June Mar, we'll take it," said Thompson after the game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"Kaya yung pinaka-healthy sa series na ito, yun ang medyo mataas ang advantage na makakakuha ng panalo."
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Ginebra though, also has a health issue to resolve.
Thompson admitted being bothered by a hamstring injury he suffered during the team's quarterfinal game against Converge.
"Medyo hindi rin healthy, but I'm battling through it. This is the semifinals, the playoffs," said the former MVP.
Despite bothered by the injury, Thompson remained all business as the Kings take a 2-1 lead in the series. He shot 7-of-14 from the field for 16 points, had seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
The same can be said of the 6-foot-10 Fajardo.(RG)
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Playing better than the previous game, the eighth-time MVP had a double-double of 12 points (4-of-6 shooting) and 14 rebounds, while adding three assists in 27 minutes of play coming off the bench.
The effort by his Gilas teammate certainly earned the respect of Thompson.
"Kahit hindi healthy si June Mar, he's very tough, angat pa rin siya sa ilalim. A lot of respect pa rin sa kanya," Thompson said.
After playing three games in five days, both teams get a two-day break heading into Game 4 on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, a respite which Thompson said is a welcome relief to them.
"The thing for now is we really need to rest," said the Ginebra guard, adding the need to listen to the team's battery of physical therapists on how to go through with their rest and recovery.
