PBA Finals: Brownlee, Ginebra struggle vs TNT defense in Game 1 loss

Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee tries to get a shot off over TNT’s Poy Erram in Game 1 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.–PBA IMAGES

ANTIPOLO—Ginebra import Justin Brownlee kept it real and admitted TNT’s stifling defense made the difference in Game 1 of the PBA Governors’ Cup’s Finals on Sunday night.

While they were given ample warning by coach Tim Cone that they’d be going up against a defensive juggernaut, Ginebra still found itself stunned after taking a 104-88 beating in front of a record crowd at Ynares Sports Center here.

“TNT’s a defensive team so it was never going to be easy,” said Brownlee.

READ: TNT rolls past Ginebra in PBA Finals opener

“Coach Tim definitely explained that to us in the past week while we were preparing. We won’t have the same shots we’re used to getting so we have to work a little bit harder…. their defense definitely locked in that three-point line very well.”

Brownlee, who averages 28.3 points per game, was held to just 23 points on 38 percent from the field.

And it wasn’t just Brownlee who felt the wrath of the Tropang Giga defense.

“From start to finish, they jumped on us. We actually got back in the game, made a few runs but every time we seemed to do so, they made big stops and big shots on offense,” Brownlee said.

“It’s a well-deserved win for them, they came in and executed what they wanted to do and got the W.”

READ: PBA Finals: TNT vets Jayson Castro, Erram shine in Game 1 victory

The guard tandem of Scottie Thompson and rookie RJ Abarrientos combined for an abysmal 5-for-17 shooting night.

Thompson finished with seven points while Abarrientos only had five in his PBA Finals debut.

Brownlee and the Gin Kings hope to avoid a 0-2 hole on Wednesday in Game 2 at Araneta Coliseum.