Scottie Thompson describes latest Ginebra title as ‘hardest to win’

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Scottie Thompson is named Finals MVP after helping Ginebra win the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Scottie Thompson was in disbelief when he heard his name being called as the PBA Press Corps Finals MVP that made him the second recipient of the Ramon Fernandez Trophy.

“Wala talaga sa utak ko (I wasn’t even thinking about it),” Thompson said after his integral role in Barangay Ginebra’s successful run to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup crown.

Ginebra annexed its first championship in three years following Wednesday’s 88-76 Game 7 win over TNT, with Thompson putting up 19 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and three steals to answer the challenge of providing ample help for Justin Brownlee.

End of struggles

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings celebrate after beating TNT Tropang 5G and winning the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Thompson was among the locals that struggled prior to Game 7, but his big-time performance in the battle for all the marbles convinced most Press Corps members of his worthiness as Finals MVP for the third time in his career.

“I just really wanted to get this championship,” said Thompson, who also described this PBA crown as the hardest to win of all. “That’s why I was very emotional because I know my struggles in this series.”

Along with Troy Rosario and even Nards Pinto, Thompson was among those backing up another huge showing from Brownlee during the deciding game witnessed by more than 24,000 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“We talked as a team as to how we could help Justin, what he has done during the previous two games is not sustainable,” added Thompson, referring to the 54 and 52 points scored by the beloved Ginebra import in Games 5 and 6, respectively.

“We all know that he can carry the team, but as a local, we need to give the needed support, not just in scoring but also the little things.”

Some Ginebra fans felt that Rosario had a stronger case over Thompson in the Finals MVP discussion for his consistency and hard-nosed play, particularly against TNT’s Chris McCullough.

Rosario came through again in Game 7, finishing with 13 points and seven rebounds to secure just his second PBA title. Rosario’s first one came five years ago with TNT in the Philippine Cup.

For Rosario, the championship felt even more special.

“I was able to fulfill my childhood dream,” Rosario said. “I remember when I was 8 years old when I started to become a fan of Ginebra.”

Unsung hero

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Nards Pinto reacts after scoring a big 3 in Game 7 of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Then, there’s another unsung hero in Pinto, who apart from his stifling defense pumped in two huge threes during the fourth quarter that doused cold water on TNT’s persistent comeback tries.

Pinto’s second triple, which came from the left corner, made it 80-74 with barely three minutes to go, prompting a huge cheer from the crowd.

Coach Tim Cone had trusted Pinto to provide some quality minutes dating back from the early goings of the conference. The now-three-time champion was glad to repay his trust.

“Our morale was really down when we went to the dugout at halftime,” said Pinto after Ginebra trailed 47-40 at the break. “But we kept on fighting and it’s a good feeling that we won because it’s been a while.”