SCOTTIE Thompson of Ginebra shoots during Game 5 of their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s best-of-seven finals showdown against San Miguel Beer late Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Thompson said he would keep on shooting to lift the Kings for the rest of the series. ROMAN PROSPERO

Scottie Thompson finally shed off his reputation as a “pass-first” guard by erupting in Ginebra’s 87-83 win over San Miguel Beer in Game 5 of their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup best-of-seven finals showdown late Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Thompson displayed flashes of offensive brilliance when he finished with 20 points, including six of Ginebra’s last nine points, on top of 11 rebounds, three assists and a steal to tow the Kings to a 3-2 lead that put them a win shy of bagging the coveted crown for the first time in 21 years.

But Thompson humbly deflected the credit.

“My teammates and my coaches keep on saying that if the defense leaves me open, shoot it,” said the 25-year old playmaker from Davao.

“That’s exactly what I did, nothing more. I was just open and I luckily made the shots.”

For somebody who is averaging just close to 10 points per game, nine rebounds and six assists, scoring is just a bonus as his role is being an all-around operator.

“Hustling, offensive rebounds and defending, those are my best weapons to help the team.

I was just lucky because my shots fell in the end game,” said the former collegiate Most Valuable Player from University of Perpetual Help System-Dalta.