PBA Finals: Justin Brownlee return still unclear after thumb injury

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings import Justin Brownlee injures his thumb in Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against TNT Tropang Giga. Marlo Cueto/INQUIRER.net

Barangay Ginebra is holding out hope that Justin Brownlee can at least show up and provide a lift for the rest of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals after dislocating his right thumb in Game 3.

Brownlee left midway in the third quarter after sustaining the injury while diving for the loose ball and had to be brought to the hospital to undergo tests.

HIGHLIGHTS: PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals – Ginebra vs TNT Game 3

His status for Game 4 on Friday at Ynares Center in Antipolo City remains unclear as of posting time.

“Nobody expected that to happen to JB,” said RJ Abarrientos in Filipino. “But we have no choice but to face this challenge. We’re still in the Finals and we have to step up and make the necessary adjustments, with or without him.”

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

Even without Brownlee, the Gin Kings kept things close and even led twice in the fourth behind Scottie Thompson and Abarrientos.

But TNT put on a finishing kick with Rey Nambatac knocking down the go-ahead three after several offensive rebounds that kept the possession alive.

READ: PBA Finals: Justin Brownlee finds ‘no satisfaction’ amid tied series

Ginebra fell behind 2-1 in the best-of-seven series, making the next meeting even more important for the Gin Kings’ cause.

Brownlee had 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting with four rebounds and six assists before the injury, and was among the reasons why Ginebra took a nine-point lead in the first half and 48-42 at the break.

The long-time Ginebra reinforcement came into the PBA Finals dealing with asthma, but that didn’t deter Brownlee from going off for 35 points in the narrow 71-70 win in Game 2.