Scottie consoles RJ Abarrientos after ‘dangerous’ shot in win

MANILA, Philippines—Count on Scottie Thompson to be one of many Ginebra veterans to raise up one of many squad’s younger cornerstones after a horrendous recreation.

RJ Abarrientos had certainly one of his worst outings within the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs in Recreation 2 of the Finals at Mall of Asia Area on Sunday.

In Ginebra’s  71-70 win over TNT that tied the best-of-seven collection at 1-1, Abarrientos was barely an element. In reality, he even missed an important triple that earned the ire of coach Tim Cone.

PBA SCHEDULE Commissioners’ Cup Finals – Ginebra vs TNT

Thompson, although, stated he understood the scenario and defended the choice of the squad’s prized rookie.

“It occurs. He was open and that’s his shot. We would like him to be concerned as a result of we want RJ. Everyone knows how good the child is,” stated Thompson.

“We additionally know what he can convey to this workforce. As a Kuya, I simply must inspire him. I’ve to verify to offer him the mentality that there’s nonetheless a subsequent recreation.”

The Gin Kings have been trailing TNT, 69-70 when, Abarrientos launched an important three-ball from the highest of the important thing solely to overlook.

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Cone was visibly irate with the previous Japanese B.League import’s shot-making resolution that he instantly subbed out Abarrientos for Jamie Malonzo with precisely a minute left within the recreation.

“RJ’s nonetheless a younger participant,” stated the veteran tactician.

“I believed he took a foul shot on the time, he may’ve gotten to the basket a bit higher however he’ll study from that. He’s a vet by way of understanding the sport however he’s nonetheless a rookie by way of understanding our recreation,” he added.

After 13 factors in Recreation 1, Abarrientos solely completed with one level, lacking all seven of his pictures in 16 minutes of motion.

Abarrientos hopes to have a significantly better exhibiting on Wednesday for Recreation 3 at Philsports Area.