In dire need of a victory – with Justin Brownlee even playing with a heavily-taped shooting hand – Barangay Ginebra showed big heart and unwavering resolve to take down TNT, 95-78, in Game 4 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup finals at the Ynares Center here Friday, March 21.
Never Say Die: Brownlee powers through dislocated thumb as Ginebra evens series vs TNT
Mar 21, 2025 02:24 PM
At a glance
ANTIPOLO CITY — Wounded but unbowed.
In dire need of a victory – with Justin Brownlee even playing with a heavily-taped shooting hand – Barangay Ginebra showed big heart and unwavering resolve to take down TNT, 95-78, in Game 4 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup finals at the Ynares Center here Friday, March 21.
A true warrior like he is, Brownlee played through a painful dislocated right thumb, not only to provide inspiration for the rest of the team but to actually give the Kings a huge lift by tying their best-of-seven series at 2 apiece.
Channeling his own Never-Say-Die spirit, Brownlee came out on target, dropping 15 of his 21 points in the opening frame to set the tone to Ginebra’s big fight back.
His hot start rubbed off on his teammates with Jamie Malonzo putting up his best scoring performance in the finals by firing 23 points built on six triples, including a tough step back trey over the outstretched arms of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to give the Kings a comfortable, 87-76 lead.
That shot was part of a furious 17-2 finishing kick from Ginebra to pull away from a tight 78-76 count in the final frame.
Seemingly unbothered by the injury, which according to head coach Tim Cone, his thumb will fall off if the heavy tapes would be removed, Brownlee actually had a complete performance adding 12 rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
The Kings also got stellar showings from Japeth Aguilar who finished with 18 points and eight rebounds, Stephen Holt with 12 and Scottie Thompson with nine points, nine rebounds.
As great as the performance of Brownlee, it was a complete contrast for Rondae Hollis-Jefferson who seemed to have suffered from yet another Best Import jinx after he received the award before the game.
The now three-time Best Import awardee could only muster 14 points after shooting a 5-of-18 clip from the field although he got 12 rebounds and five assists.
Calvin Oftana, after losing the Best Player of the Conference derby to Arvin Tolentino, led the way for TNT with 17 while RR Pogoy waxed hot early but quickly cooled down after scoring all of his 16 points in the first half.