MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson was feeling all the pain in Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.

Despite winning a nail-biter over San Miguel Beer, 73-71, at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday night, Thompson could barely hold his hands up to celebrate.

In fact, the star guard even started cramping up in the middle of the post-game conference where coach Tim Cone insisted Thompson leave after a few questions.

Still, it was nothing that Thompson hadn’t expected. This is the playoffs, after all.

“We know the playoffs have very tough games but whatever we can give, we’ll give our very best,” said Thompson.

Barangay Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson during a PBA Philippine Cup semifinals game between the Gin Kings and the San Miguel Beermen. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“This is part of the game. It’s the playoffs, so the physicality is there. We have to battle through it. We have to be tough in every single possession.”

For most of the game, Thompson was flailing his right arm after several steal attempts. In the fourth quarter, he battled cramps and suffered a bad fall that saw his head bounce off the hardwood.

Despite all those, though, Thompson stayed the course and finished with a near double-double of 16 points and eight rebounds in almost 33 tiresome minutes.

The bruised and banged-up floor general may have steered the Gin Kings to victory, but he knows there’s still work to be done.

“From the start of the ballgame, we have to be mindful especially on the defensive end,” Thompson said. “I think our defense was the reason for us staying through this game.”

Thompson and the Gin Kings go for a crucial 2-0 advantage on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.