Legendary or Humble? Scottie Thompson downplays career-best performance

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel roared back in emphatic fashion to even its best-of-seven semifinal series against longtime rival San Miguel Beermen, taking Game 4 with a commanding 105–91 victory on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The win not only restored Ginebra’s momentum but also showcased the brilliance of star point guard Scottie Thompson, who delivered a performance for the ages.

Thompson erupted for a career-high 35 points, while adding 11 rebounds and 11 assists, powering the Gin Kings to a comfortable win. His triple-double was a display of offensive dominance, but it also highlighted his all-around contributions—facilitating teammates, creating opportunities, and anchoring Ginebra’s defense.

Significantly, Thompson’s feat marked the first time since the early 1990s that a local Filipino player scored more than 30 points in a triple-double game. The last to achieve this rare milestone was Alaska rookie—and current Ginebra assistant coach—Johnny Abarrientos, who accomplished it in the 1993 All-Filipino Conference. Thompson’s performance thus cemented itself as a historic moment in PBA history.

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Despite making history, Thompson remained humble, crediting teamwork and timing for his standout night.

“Luckily, it was a good night for me. We just fought hard and battled every quarter. We found our rhythm as a team, and that’s what is most important. We lifted each other and stayed together,” Thompson said in the postgame press conference.

35 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists.

What a night for Scottie Thompson. #PBA50 | @MeloFuertesINQ

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“Every game is different, but our approach and intensity remain the same,” he added.

However, Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone didn’t hold back in praising Thompson’s effort, calling it “legendary.”

“It was a legendary performance. I think we are going to remember this for a very long time. There is no doubt it was legendary. He was more aggressive tonight, and that made him more of a threat, which opened up passing lanes for him,” Cone said.

Thompson’s dominance allowed Ginebra to control the pace of the game, while the team’s defense stifled San Miguel’s key scorers, keeping the Beermen from closing the gap. Beyond Thompson, supporting players stepped up in critical moments, showing the depth and resilience of the Gin Kings roster.

With the semifinal series now tied 2-2, all eyes turn to the pivotal Game 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, January 14. The winner will seize momentum heading into the latter half of the series, making Thompson’s form and Ginebra’s collective effort all the more vital.

If Game 4 proved anything, it’s that Barangay Ginebra possesses the talent, cohesion, and star power to rise to the occasion. With Thompson leading the charge and the team firing on all cylinders, fans can expect an electrifying showdown in the next chapter of this storied PBA rivalry.

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