SMART CLARK GIGA CITY--Scottie Thompson felt like he was Justin Brownlee on Friday night.
With a finals berth on the line, Thompson sank the game-winning triple from the left corner with 0.6 seconds left as Barangay Ginebra broke the heart of Meralco anew with a thrilling 83-80 victory in the do-or-die semifinal game at the AUF Arena.
The 27-year-old high-flying guard, who finished with 20 points, said he was reminded of Brownlee's buzzer-beating three for the Kings to capture the 2016 Governor's Cup against, guess who? The Bolts.
"Ganun pala pakiramdam, naalala ko si Brownlee," said Thompson. "Ayun sobrang nagpapasalamat lang talaga ako kasi na-shoot 'yung tira na 'yun."
The four-time PBA champion was still ecstatic after hitting the trey, saying that it was the biggest shot of his young PBA career.
"Kahit nga ngayon 'di ako makapaniwala kasi ito 'yung biggest shot ko sa career ko sa PBA. Sobrang thankful at nagpapasalamat ako kay God," said Thompson, who dedicated the jaw-dropping basket for his late grandmother who passed away last month.
"After ng tira ko, iniisip ko para sa lola ko talaga 'yun. Feeling ko talagang ginabayan niya ko sa tira na 'yun. Sobrang emotional ako. Talagang gusto kong makapag-finals kami para sa kanya."
Thompson also came through with another all-around effort with 12 rebounds, seven assists and a steal.
Looking forward to the finals, the former NCAA MVP from Perpetual Help is seeking to continue his energetic play to help the Kings win their first Philippine Cup title since 2007.
"'Di pa tapos 'yung trabaho namin dito. Sana magtuloy-tuloy hanggang championship."