PBA: ‘Playoff Justin’ Brownlee propels Ginebra to semis

Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee takes a shot during Game 3 of the PBA quarterfinals against Meralco.–PBA IMAGES

ANTIPOLO—Justin Brownlee, like clockwork, showed up once again to lead Ginebra to a PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals appearance on Sunday.

However, it wasn’t just a usual outing from Brownlee that paced the Gin Kings to a 94-87 win over Meralco at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

In coach Tim Cone’s own interpretation, it was the “Playoff Justin” persona that kept the Gin Kings’ championship hopes alive.

READ: PBA: Ginebra ousts Meralco, advances to semis vs No. 1 NorthPort

“It was a little scary in the beginning but I thought we still played well and hard on defense, we just weren’t making some of the shots that we should’ve made,” said Cone.

“We just needed a spark and ‘Playoff Justin’ showed up. He gave us that spark and when we got back at one point from halftime, we were all confident that we would win this game.”

After a slow start that saw Ginebra trail Meralco, 38-37, at halftime, the Gin Kings turned to Brownlee, who delivered a masterclass in the second half.

Brownlee finished with a near triple-double of 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists with two blocks and a steal for good measure.

Though he struggled with a 36.4 percent field goal shooting clip, Brownlee reiterated that he tried to play at his best.

READ: PBA: Justin Brownlee, Ginebra not surprised by tough Meralco act

After all, that’s what you need to do against a playoff rival like the Bolts.

“Whenever you go up against a team like this, you always want to be at your best because you know that if you aren’t, they’re probably going to beat you,” said the Gin Kings’ longtime import.

“I’m just trying to go out there every time and give my all,” he added.

Up next for Brownlee and the Gin Kings is No. 1 seed NorthPort in a best-of-seven duel which tips off on February 26 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The PBA takes a break to give way to Gilas Pilipinas’ upcoming campaign in the third window of the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers.