PBA: Ginebra needs ‘sense of urgency’ to get twice-to-beat

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Scottie Thompson during a PBA Philippine Cup game against Phoenix Fuel Masters. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Even after two straight wins in the PBA Philippine Cup, Scottie Thompson still believes there’s no room to relax for Ginebra.

The Gin Kings tallied their second straight win on Friday at the expense of Phoenix, 119-112, at Philsports Arena, to bolster their positioning for the looming playoffs.

READ: PBA: Barangay Ginebra turns back Phoenix for its first streak

But despite the 4-2 card, Thompson still isn’t satisfied with Ginebra’s place until the elimination round is over and done with.

“I think it’s good that we won back-to-back but we still have a lot of things to correct in practice. We have to be ready every time. We’re still lacking when it comes to the games,” said Thompson.

“I think that’s crucial because teams are going for the Top 4 which has the twice-to-beat [advantages] so everyone needs to step up every game.”

Thompson did his usual thing on Friday, strutting his step to power the Gin Kings to the dub with a double-double of 17 points and 13 assists.

READ: PBA: No excuses from Scottie Thompson, Ginebra after tough loss

The Gilas guard’s exemplary play on offense made sure everyone had their shine in the win with RJ Abarrientos, Japeth Aguilar and Stephen Holt scoring 25, 24 and 18 points, respectively.

With Thompson’s vision of giving the Gin Kings a twice-to-beat merit, the floor general urged his squad play more determined in the coming games in hopes of locking in the pivotal advantage

“I think we just have to play our game every single game and we always need to have that sense of urgency because we all know that every team will give us a very tough game.”

The Gin Kings look to improve their footing on the upper part of standings on Friday when they face Blackwater at the same venue.