SCOTTIE Thompson saw positive takeaways despite Barangay Ginebra absorbing an 89-86 loss to NLEX in their PBA Philippine Cup showdown on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The former MVP commended the Kings bench for carrying the fight for the team that served as the springboard for a Barangay Ginebra rally that just fell short in the end.
"I think our bench talagang maganda yung pinakita nila to bring us back in the game," Thompson said in acknowledging the likes of Ben Adamos, Nards Pinto, and rookie RJ Abarrientos in trying to hold the fort for the team.
The Kings found themselves down 58-41 in the third quarter as coach Tim Cone opted to rest his starters and put Adamos, Pinto, Abarrientos, Ralph Cu, and Jayson David in the game.
Lo and behold though, the Ginebra quintet didn't blink and held their own against the Road Warriors, eventually cutting down the deficit to 13 early in the fourth before Thompson and the rest of the starters got back inside and tried to sustain the comeback.
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The Kings successfully did, as Stephen Holt caught fire and combined with Thompson to wrest the upperhand, the last time at 86-84 with 1:14 left to play.
But that proved to be the last stand of Ginebra as NLEX closed out the game with a clutch corner three by rookie Xyrus Torres and two free throws by Robert Bolick to seal the deal.
Although Thompson lamented the Kings' failure to complete the comeback, he was nonetheless proud at how the Ginebra bench stood its ground at the height of a huge Road Warriors breakaway in the third quarter.
"Nagkaroon ng energy yung starters especially down the stretch, but they (Road Warriors) made great plays at the crucial time," said Thompson.
Ginebra fell to an even 2-2 record going to its game against Converge on Saturday in San Fernando, Pampanga.
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"Mahaba pa ito. We just have to play as a unit," said Thompson. (RG)
