Without Justine Brownlee, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings will find the road to the title tougher, narrower when they take on the TNT Tropang Giga in Game 4 of the 49th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup.
Scottie Thompson and three other teammates are expected to step with Brownlee unsure if he will play or not when the Gin Kings tackle the Tropang Giga on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
“We had a taste of playing without him here in the second half. But again, it’s going to be tougher because Talk ‘N Text will also adjust,” said Gin Kings’ assistant coach Richard del Rosario.
Rosario talked about the Kings’ situation after they fought through 12 deadlocks, before the TNT Tropang Giga escaped with an 87-85 triumph in Game 3 on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena.
With the Tropang Giga now leading the series at 2-1, TNT coach Chot Reyes said the Gin Kings can’t be underestimated, even without Brownlee, who injured his thumb in the second game of the series.
The 6’6” Brownlee suffered a dislocated right thumb at the 6:42-mark of the third period, and the Gin Kings played without him for the rest of the second half.
“We don’t know if Justin’s going to play or not. We’re still hoping that he can play. Warrior naman ‘to si Justin. Basta’t kaya niya, kaunting sakit lang ‘yan, maglalaro ‘yan. We’re just waiting, and, hopefully, we get good news,” added del Rosario.
When Brownlee left, he still led with 19 points, four rebounds and six assists for the Gin Kings.
“Even without him, kita naman how tough and tight the team is. Without Justine, somebody else is going to step up,” said Reyes.
Thompson, who shot 12 of 15 points for the Gin Kings in the second half, is expected to take charge again, with his averages of 16 points and 11 rebounds.
RJ Abarrientos, who norms nine points, is expected to provide firepower with Japeth Aguilar and Troy Rosario.
“We’re still hoping for the best. If it’s dislocated, then hopefully we can, ano lang natin, sana walang bali,” added del Rosario.
Rondae Hollis Jefferson, norming 26.33 points and 13 points, will again lead the way for the Tropang Giga, with Rey Nambatac, RR Pogoy and Calvin Oftana backing him up.