Ginebra import Justin Brownlee in Game 5 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals. –PBA IMAGES
TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa was surprised to learn that Barangay Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee was dealing with food poisoning in Game 5 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.
From what he saw, Lastimosa felt that Brownlee played his usual game up until the second half of the Tropang Giga’s 104-95 win at Smart Araneta Coliseum when the long-time import left when the illness kicked in severely.
“It didn’t show, actually,” Lastimosa said when told of Brownlee’s condition during the postgame press conference after TNT’s 3-2 lead in the championship series.
“He was playing well. All this time [we thought] that he was tired like I think every shot that he took was like taking everything from him. I hope he’s fine,” added Lastimosa.
Brownlee finished with 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting, all in the first half, as attempts to have him play after the break went futile.
He left the bench during the third quarter and eventually was rushed to the hospital for treatment, leaving Ginebra fans to hold their breath before Game 6 when the Gin Kings look to force a deciding game for the championship.
“Not having Brownlee, of course, we have to take advantage of it,” said the TNT mentor who got big games from a number of players led by import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to erase a 14-point deficit early in the third quarter.
But Lastimosa expects everyone, including Brownlee, to be at full strength as TNT looks to close things out on Friday.
“I don’t think he’s gonna miss that sixth game, or if there’s a seventh game,” said Lastimosa. “I think he’s gonna play. He’s also a warrior. We’re counting on everyone to be present come Friday.”