PBA: Ginebra rides on Justin Brownlee’s shoulders once again

Justin Brownlee’s clutch heroics lift Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings past Meralco Bolts in Game 2 of the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra played one of its greatest hits on Saturday night at Araneta Coliseum in Game 2 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Quarterfinals against Meralco.

That tune, of course, was nothing less than “riding on Justin Brownlee’s shoulders.”

“Tonight, we rode on the broad shoulders of Justin and we’ve done that many times in the past,” said Cone after their 104-103 win over the Bolts.

READ: PBA: Justin Brownlee delivers anew as Ginebra goes 2-0 vs Meralco

“Tonight was Justin’s night, he was amazing. We’ve seen so many amazing games of Justin winning games down the stretch and this is just another one of them. Add it to the list, it may be a top four or five [performance].”

In the dying seconds of another classic between the playoff rivals, the Gin Kings saw themselves staring at a 103-101 deficit after big baskets by Chris Newsome and Cliff Hodge for Meralco.

As what Cone has done numerous times in the past, he called upon his old reliable and Brownlee delivered like it was just another day in the office.

READ: PBA: Ginebra looks to lock down defensively vs playoffs rival Meralco

Brownlee called for an isolation play and hit a triple from the top of the key over Allen Durham—much like he did in the historic Game 6 of the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, coincidentally with the same team—to give Ginebra the insurmountable 104-103 lead with 10.1 ticks to go in the game.

Ginebra coach Tim Cone and Justin Brownlee after another barnburner with Meralco. @INQUIRERSports https://t.co/M6jhcD6Km8 pic.twitter.com/d18OWGHsI9

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) September 28, 2024

“We needed big baskets to score and my teammates always trusted in me, they were calling plays for me so I just tried to lead and take over the game and that’s what I tried to do in the best way I can,” said the longtime resident import for Ginebra.

“Experience definitely helps but the most important thing is the confidence that my team gives me… Tonight, the team gave me confidence to go out, perform and be myself,” added Brownlee.

READ: PBA: Joe Devance unretires to join Ginebra in time for playoffs

The Bolts could not fine-tune a shot that could have won them the game as Brownlee finished with 39 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Those 39 points, however, didn’t come easy, especially since he did it against his old-time rival, Durham.

“It’s always tough [playing against him], we have history with Ginebra and Meralco playing in the Finals so it’s always tough. Give him a lot of credit,” Brownlee said of the Meralco import.

Durham finished with 39 points himself in the battle of import heavyweights while also registering 14 rebounds and three assists.

Ginebra looks to close out the best-of-five quarterfinals series on Monday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.