PBA Finals: Brownlee credits Ginebra trust after Game 1 heroics

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Justin Brownlee during Game of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals vs TNT Tropang 5G. –MARLO CUETO/INQURER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra super import Justin Brownlee did what he does best in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against TNT: pull the Gin Kings out of trouble.

With time expiring, Brownlee knocked down the go-ahead midrange jumper to give Ginebra a 102-100 victory at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

It was hardly a new scene for Brownlee.

…SINO PA BA?

Brownlee’s game winner in Game 1 of the #PBAFinals. @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/BxDG9iH5hF

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) June 3, 2026

After all, those kinds of plays–the go-ahead jumpers late in the game–are already regarded as a Brownlee special.

The Gilas Pilipinas naturalized forward, however, credited the Gin Kings for helping him deliver in those moments.

“They give me extreme confidence to go ahead and do things like that,” Brownlee told reporters.

“Coach Tim also puts me in that situation over my time here in the Philippines and with Gilas as well. I credit them for the belief.”

Even before his clutch heroics, Brownlee was already wreaking havoc for Ginebra.

He finished with 23 points, eight assists and four rebounds to help the Gin Kings take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

“I just want to go and make those [shots] for them,” he said.

Brownlee and company will try to build on their early advantage when they face TNT in Game 2 on Friday at the same venue.