PBA: Ginebra guards clear Rain or Shine’s Clarito of bad intent in semis

Barangay Ginebra guard RJ Abarrientos receives medical treatment during Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup against Rain or Shine.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra stars Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos spared Rain or Shine’s Jhonard Clarito from having malicious intent after being on the receiving end of separate hits during the first two games of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

Thompson sustained a lump courtesy of a Clarito kick during Ginebra’s 115-111 loss in Game 1 on Wednesday while Abarrientos broke his nose after fouling the Rain or Shine forward in Friday’s Game 2 won by the Gin Kings, 109-101.

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RJ Abarrientos speaks on his broken nose after Barangay Ginebra’s Game 2 win over Rain or Shine in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semis, adding that Jhonard Clarito’s hit was a “playoff foul” @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/z0dhHqjbc0

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“It happens, especially in the playoffs. The physicality is there,” said Thompson.

Some fans were quick to rue the actions of Clarito, known for his bruising style since entering the league in 2022.

But Thompson, whose lump is no longer visible, said such things do happen, especially in high-stakes affairs.

“We all saw that he didn’t do it intently,” Thompson added. “Like I said it happens every game, and we’re both Bisaya, we fight every game.”

READ: PBA: Yeng Guiao lights fire under ‘buwis-buhay’ Jhonard Clarito

Abarrientos echoed Thompson’s take, trying to shake it off as a minor incident.

“It’s a basketball play,” said Abarrientos. “It’s normal, it’s just a playoff foul. It is what it is. It depends on the players if they’re deliberate or not, but in that situation, it was accidental.”

Abarrientos, however, will likely wear a mask to protect his nose for Game 3 on Sunday as the two teams break their 1-1 tie in the best-of-seven.

As for Clarito, the two incidents have made him a target of boos among the Ginebra faithful, as seen during his trips to the free throw line in both games.