Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
With the way things are going right now for Ginebra, the Kings are looking like a force to be reckoned with this 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup.
But for Justin Brownlee, there’s no reason for Ginebra to be complacent even though they have already clinched a quarterfinals spot.
“We still got to finish the season very strong. I think coach Tim (Cone), he tells us one game at a time. So right now, we just focus on our next game and getting better each day and in the playoffs. Hopefully, we can keep this momentum going and when the time is there, we can do very well,” he said.
Ginebra did just that on Sunday, clawing back from 17-points down and stunning Star, 116-103 for its sixth win in eight outings.
Brownlee kept his team afloat during that sluggish first half, firing 23 in the first two quarters to wound up with 38 points, eight rebounds, and two assists.
As Hot as the Gin Kings are, they will now go on a 12-day break before returning to action on Sept. 9 against a dangerous Mahindra and Brownlee is approaching the 12-day layoff with much caution.
“Twelve days is a very long time without playing. But I just think we got to have a mindset of treating each day of trying to get better and better,” Brownlee said.
“I think we got a good group of guys that are hardworking guys, too. Just coming to practice and just working hard and just trying to get better, just trying to get our chemistry better.”
And Ginebra gets another welcome addition with the impending return of center Greg Slaughter.
Brownlee is excited to have the 7-foot giant with him in the paint, though, he admits that he has yet to see the Cebuano in action.
“I haven’t seen Greg play live. In practice, he’s been running and getting back in shape. He’s been hurt for maybe three months now, but I can already tell that he’s an incredible player,” he said. “I think Greg is going to come in and help us a lot especially with coach Tim and the way he runs his offense. I think he’s gonna be great for our team when he comes back.”
“I hope he comes back very strong, and I know he will. I’m just excited to play with him, very excited.”