Christmas Day 2024 became a historic and unforgettable occasion for Scottie Thompson, the celebrated guard of Barangay Ginebra. He delivered a game-winning three-pointer in the highly anticipated PBA Christmas Day Clasico against Magnolia. The moment, which sealed a thrilling 95-92 comeback victory for Ginebra, also coincided with the formal recognition of Thompson’s remarkable career milestone—his 2,000th assist in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Thompson achieved the milestone earlier in the season on December 18 during Ginebra’s dominant 114-98 triumph over Terrafirma at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. At the 2:08 mark of the first quarter in that game, Thompson logged the historic assist, etching his name in the league’s storied annals. On Christmas night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, a packed crowd of 12,198 fans bore witness as PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial personally presented the 31-year-old with a specially crafted plaque to commemorate his achievement.

Joining the Ranks of Legends

Scottie Thompson’s 2,000th assist milestone placed him among an elite group of players who have reached this significant benchmark. He became only the third player in Barangay Ginebra’s illustrious history to accomplish this feat, following the footsteps of franchise legends LA Tenorio and Jayjay Helterbrand. In the broader PBA landscape, Thompson became the 32nd player to achieve this milestone across the league’s 49-year history.

Among active players, Thompson joined an exclusive list that included Tenorio, Alex Cabagnot, Jayson Castro, Chris Ross, and Mark Barroca. This recognition underscored his pivotal role as both a playmaker and leader on the court, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s premier guards.

Building on a Stellar Career

The recognition for his 2,000th assist came just weeks after Thompson achieved another significant career milestone. On November 3, during Game 4 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals between Ginebra and TNT, Thompson recorded his 2,000th defensive rebound. These back-to-back achievements highlighted the consistency and versatility that defined his career.

A former PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), Thompson has long been celebrated for his all-around contributions, combining scoring, rebounding, and playmaking to lead his team to success. These milestones served as testaments to his dedication and hard work, further enhancing his legacy in Philippine basketball.

Christmas Day Heroics

While Thompson’s career milestones were rightfully celebrated, his performance on Christmas night became one of the most dramatic moments in recent PBA history. Barangay Ginebra faced a daunting 22-point deficit against Magnolia, but Thompson led a spirited comeback effort that culminated in his game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.

The electrifying shot from the corner not only sealed the victory for Ginebra but also sent their fans into rapturous celebration at the Big Dome. The triumph reinforced Thompson’s reputation as a clutch performer, capable of delivering in high-pressure situations.

The guard expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the team’s success, emphasizing that while personal milestones were significant, helping secure the victory in such a dramatic fashion made the night truly special.

Cementing a Legacy

Scottie Thompson’s journey from a promising young player to a cornerstone of Barangay Ginebra has been marked by hard work, resilience, and a relentless drive to excel. His latest milestones reflected not only his individual brilliance but also his commitment to team success.

As Barangay Ginebra continued its campaign in the PBA, Thompson remained a central figure in their pursuit of more championships. His leadership on and off the court, coupled with his ability to rise to the occasion, ensured that his legacy would endure for years to come.

For Barangay Ginebra fans and basketball enthusiasts, Christmas 2024 would forever be associated with Scottie Thompson’s extraordinary performance—a night when milestones were celebrated, records were broken, and the magic of basketball shone brightly. It’s a Scottie decorated Christmas on the hardcourt for the Barangay.

Earl Scottie Carreon Thompson 

Born July 12, 1993, Earl Scottie Carreon Thompson is a Filipino professional basketball player. Scottie plays for the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. In addition, he manages the NCAA squad for the Perpetual Altas of the Philippines.