Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings import Justin Brownlee during Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against TNT Tropang Giga. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra gutted out a Game 2 win over TNT in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals with another gargantuan effort from import Justin Brownlee.
Despite tying the series at 1-1, though, Brownlee found no satisfaction in breaking TNT’s win streak over the Gin Kings that spanned four games, including last conference’s last two Finals games.
HIGHLIGHTS: PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals – Ginebra vs TNT Game 2
“There’s still no satisfaction right now. I think we just have to stay hungry, especially without history with this team,” said Brownlee after their nail-biting 71-70 win over TNT at Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
“We know how good they are. They beat us before. Fatigue is just something I’m trying to not worry about, If I’m tired I just have to push through it like everybody else on the team.”
Ginebra Gin Kings’ Justin Brownlee during Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against TNT Tropang Giga. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Brownlee certainly played like he had no fatigue.
The six-time PBA import champion finished with a game-high 35 points and 11 rebounds to pace the Gin Kings to a heart-stopping win in front of a huge crowd in Pasay. He did it all in 45 minutes as well.
READ: PBA Finals: Tim Cone, Ginebra tired of being outplayed by TNT
The Gilas naturalized player outplayed his import counterpart Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who still managed to finish with a commendable outing of 25 points and 15 rebounds despite missing the game-winner at the buzzer.
Brownlee, though, expected the outcome of Game 2 to be “ugly,” despite turning in a monster effort.
He has, after all, faced TNT so much before.
“Since the start of this series, coach (Tim Cone) told us this was going to be a defensive series and some games, we just have to win ugly and I think tonight was a perfect example.”
Brownlee and the Gin Kings hope to get a better outcome on Wednesday for Game 3 at Philsports Arena in Pasig.