Ginebra Gin Kings’ Justine Brownlee during a PBA Governors’ Cup game against Rain or SHine. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Instead of pumping his chest and celebrating after another spectacular game, Ginebra import Justin Brownlee simply chalked it up as being one of those nights where everything clicked.
In Group B of the PBA Governors’ Cup, the Gin Kings routed Rain or Shine, 124-102, at Araneta Coliseum on Friday behind another stellar outing from their resident import.
However, Brownlee made sure to deflect all praises and say he just got the opportunities to score the way he did, thanks to his teammates.
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“I feel like we got a lot of guys who can score and shoot the ball and it’s shown in these last few games in our streak. I know guys struggled earlier, maybe they were adjusting but we got a lot of guys who can score,” said Brownlee.
“I think we found a very good balance. Some nights can be any guys’ night like Japeth (Aguilar), Stephen (Holt) and Scottie (Thompson). For us, we have to continue to be a defense-first team and the offense will come.”
Brownlee notched another monster double-double of 40 points and 10 rebounds on a blistering 68.4 percent shooting clip.
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To the Gilas naturalized player’s point, Ginebra has seen several guys step up in different time frames without anyone grasping the “main man” role for more than two straight games.
In the Gin Kings’ last win over Blackwater, it was Scottie Thompson who got the spotlight with a triple-double of 21 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists.
But seeing Brownlee deflect praises directed to him wasn’t anything new for coach Tim Cone.
Cone has been through hell and back with Brownlee, and he’s not surprised to see his long-time import give credit to his teammates instead of taking it.
“He doesn’t care whether he’s getting the credit or not,” said the veteran tactician after steering his team to a 5-2 card in Group B.
“Some nights he’ll come out and play a great defensive game, he’s not looking for the credit at all. He doesn’t care about the credit at all, he cares about the wins.”