Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings import Justin Brownlee against TNT Tropang Giga import Rondae Hollis Jefferson during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
ANTIPOLO—Justin Brownlee knew that for him to make an impact despite a dislocated right thumb, he would have to start off strong to help Barangay Ginebra get the eventual Game 4 win over TNT that tied the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals at 2-2 here.
“I wanted to be aggressive,” Brownlee said after scoring 23 points in the 95-78 victory at Ynares Center despite being considered doubtful due to his injury sustained two nights earlier in Game 3.
HIGHLIGHTS: PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals – Ginebra vs TNT Game 4
Brownlee started hot, knocking down six of seven attempts in the first half for 15 points and helping set the tone on the night the Gin Kings needed to get the win order to restore their title chances.
He did knock a few key shots in the second half before Jamie Malonzo and Japeth Aguilar came through as Ginebra pulled away in the end.
Justin Brownlee’s bandaged thumb, which had had dislocated in Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“I definitely had doubts as far as the tape [that was placed on my thumb], it’s definitely a different feel,” said Brownlee. “Yesterday and before the game, I got a good feel for it. I don’t want to jinx it, but I got a good feel of it.”
The three-time Best Import ended up going 9-of-17 from the floor, on top of 12 rebounds and five assists in a performance which could come down as one of Brownlee’s best.
READ: PBA Finals: Justin Brownlee, Ginebra dominate TNT for 2-2 tie
Coach Tim Cone acknowledged that Brownlee appeared to be done for the series, given the severity of the injury.
In fact, Cone bared Ginebra had explored options of tapping naturalized player Ange Kouame as a temporary replacement while Brownlee dealt with the injury.
Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, brother of TNT import Rondae, was also given consideration. But in the end, it was either Brownlee or an all-Filipino lineup.
“In my mind before practice, there was zero chance he was gonna play and be part of the series,” Cone said. “But when he started shooting [in practice] and he said that ‘I don’t feel the pain,’ then we thought maybe he could play.”