There is hope that import Justin Brownlee can continue to play through injury in the remaining games of the 49th PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-seven finals series.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel head coach Tim Cone expressed optimism about Brownlee’s chances, citing the player’s determination to contribute despite a thumb injury. Brownlee is willing to push through the pain, driven by both therapy and his desire to help the team win.
The Gin Kings are gearing up for a crucial Game 5 against the TNT Tropang Giga, set for Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena. The series is tied at 2-2 after Ginebra’s dominant 95-78 victory in Game 4 on Friday night at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.
“We played good offense and got our rhythm going. Hopefully, we can continue that into the next game,” said Cone. “We’re hoping to continue to minister Justin and get him through the series.”
Brownlee, whose right hand was heavily taped due to the injury, credited the team’s support staff for keeping him game-ready. “I want to keep playing like I’ve been playing. At first, I had doubts about the tape — it felt different. But before Game 4, I got a good feel for it,” said Brownlee.
Despite the pain, he tallied 23 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists in Game 4, inspired by the crowd’s energy. “It’s that feeling of comfort from the energy of the crowd,” he added.
Cone revealed that Brownlee’s thumb tends to hang loose when not taped, and he will eventually undergo surgery. However, with the series still hanging in the balance, Brownlee remains determined to finish strong.
Jamie Malonzo led the Gin Kings in scoring with 24 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, while Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar provided solid support.
There was speculation about Ange Kouame stepping in for Brownlee in Game 4, but Brownlee chose to play through the injury. The dislocated thumb occurred in Game 2’s third quarter, which the Tropang Giga narrowly won, 87-85, to take a brief 2-1 series lead.
Now, with momentum swinging back to Ginebra, Cone and the team aim to capitalize on their strong Game 4 performance and seize the series lead in Game 5.