Thompson, Brownlee key Game 4 win to keep Kings out of a deep hole vs Bolts

news7f04/14/2022

5 3 minutes read

Best import Justin Brownlee and Best Player of the Conference Scottie Thompson, both from Barangay Ginebra, during the awarding ceremony. PBA IMAGES

Player of the Year Justin Brownlee and Player of the Year Scottie Thompson, both from Barangay Ginebra, during the awards ceremony. PBA . IMAGES

Scottie Thompson and Justin Brownlee clinched top individual awards in the PBA Governors Cup on Wednesday, and with a stage seemingly set for their keynote, Barangay Ginebra’s tireless pairing make sure the fun doesn’t die out after that night.

The Conference Player of the Year winners and Best Import awardees combined 54 points as the defending champions Gin Kings beat Meralco 95-84 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, ending best final of seven in each game in front of 17,298 animation fans.

“Let me say that Justin and Scottie did a great job. We’ve all seen this over the years – when players get an award, it motivates the other team, and they (the award winners) often end the game,” said coach Tim Cone of the team. Ginebra said.

“But I think Scottie and Justin really have a sense that they want to prove that they deserve the award tonight. And they have really stepped up,” he continued.

Thompson and Brownlee finished with 27 points each, lubricating a long pull in the third period that sent their enemies into holes as deep as 20 points before breaking through with some major plays in the final frame that made Meralco had to give up for the rest of the way.

“The difference between life and death, I tell you,” Cone said of the victory created another stalemate. “As I said at halftime, we played for our lives in this game. We have a 3-1 lead, although not impossible, the odds will be against us very much. “

Tony Bishop Jr. took the lead for Meralco with 25 points and eight rebounds. Chris Newsome, Aaron Black and Raymond Almazan all finished with double-digit scores, but they lacked additional offensive power as the Bolts pulled in the ninth, 93-84, with 1:11 remaining.

“In my mind, this is a must win for us to stay in this series and have a chance to win. [the title]said Cone, who also drew commendable performances from LA Tenorio, Christian Standhardinger and Jeff Chan.

The two clubs again broke off ties on Easter Sunday.

“Now, it’s a trilogy at its best and it’s equal,” Cone said. “So basically whoever plays the next game has a chance to come up.”

Thompson earned his inaugural Conference Player of the Year award, taking in a total of 1,128 points to easily beat TNT’s Mikey Williams, Philippine Cup champion with a score of 699, and Robert Bolick of TNT. NorthPort (581), Arwind Santos (428), and Matthew Wright of Phoenix Super LPG (416).

Brownlee, meanwhile, grossed 1,275 to eclipse Magnolia’s Mike Harris (795), Meralco’s Bishop (739) and NLEX’s Cameron Clark (443), for Best Import, becoming the 10th least man. won this award. twice.

“I’m just trying to work hard. The main thing for me is to try to get in shape. There was that layoff [during the lockdown]”You know, it’s definitely hard to come back,” said Brownlee, who also overcame some torn ankle ligaments on the way back to his deadly form.

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