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RELIABLE. Justin Brownlee in action for Barangay Ginebra in the 2024-25 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
PBA Images
'I really haven't seen anything that amazing in my career, in my 35 years, in 36 years,' says Tim Cone as Justin Brownlee plays through a dislocated right thumb to help Barangay Ginebra tie the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals
MANILA, Philippines – At this point of his PBA career, Barangay Ginebra import Justin Brownlee still does things that amaze head coach Tim Cone.
Cone marveled at Brownlee’s doggedness for fighting through what could have been a conference-ending injury as he willed the Gin Kings to a 95-78 win over TNT that tied the Commissioner’s Cup finals at 2-2 on Friday, March 21.
Initially ruled “doubtful” for Game 4 after he dislocated his right thumb, Brownlee saw action for almost the entire match and finished with 23 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks in the most lopsided victory of the best-of-seven series.
“This guy came out and played 45 minutes, 46 minutes, and did what he did through all that pain,” said Cone.
“I really haven’t seen anything that amazing in my career, in my 35 years, in 36 years — seeing a guy have that kind of injury and come back and be able to play at the kind of level he’s played at. Kudos to him.”
Cone had expected Brownlee to sit out due to the severity of his injury.
To be able to play, Brownlee needed to have his thumb taped by Ginebra’s medical staff to keep it in place.
“When you take that tape off his thumb, his thumb falls out, just literally falls out like that,” said Cone. “That’s secured in there right now. But the moment that tape comes out, there’s no security at all. It just automatically falls out of the joint.”
“That’s painful and that’s what he went through tonight to get out there and play. Amazing, amazing.”
Preparing for the worst case scenario, the Gin Kings explored all possible options, including getting Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, the older brother of TNT import Rondae, as a replacement.
Ginebra also considered Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Ange Kouame due to his familiarity with Cone and the triangle system.
But Brownlee, playing in his 12th conference in the PBA, came through once more and saved the Gin Kings from a precarious 1-3 deficit.
“I still didn’t think he was going to play. And then what does he do? He gets Player of the Game. I mean, amazing. He’s not only just a great player, but he’s such a warrior,” said Cone.
The momentum on its side, Ginebra shoots for its first lead of the series in Game 5 at tha Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, March 23. – Rappler.com
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