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Advocates Philippines
With Or Without Justin Brownlee, Ginebra Is Ready To Fight-Even With A Handicap
Photo credit: PBA
Barangay Ginebra has been here before—backs against the wall, missing a key player, but still refusing to back down. This time, though, the challenge feels even bigger. With Justin Brownlee’s status uncertain after suffering a dislocated thumb in Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, the Kings are gearing up for an uphill battle against TNT Tropang Giga in Game 4.
Brownlee’s Absence is a Big Blow—but Not a Dealbreaker
Nobody in the Ginebra camp is downplaying how big of a loss Brownlee is. Rookie guard RJ Abarrientos put it simply:
“Siyempre ibang factor kapag wala si JB sa loob. Iba yung nama-magnet ni JB sa offense, tapos siyempre pagdating sa depensa meron kaming bigger guy and help sa mga locals like JB.”
Troy Rosario echoed that sentiment, admitting that losing their three-time Best Import was a huge blow.
“Malaking bagay yung nawala si Justin, kasi siya yung No. 1 option namin.”
Without Brownlee down the stretch, the Kings still nearly pulled off a win in Game 3, even leading 82-80 with under two minutes left. But TNT responded with a clutch seven-point run, capped off by a dagger three from Rey Nambatac, sealing an 87-85 win and a 2-1 series lead.
All-Filipino Ginebra? No Problem.
Despite the tough loss, Ginebra isn’t sulking. In fact, their Game 3 performance proved they can still go toe-to-toe with TNT—even with an all-Filipino lineup. Rosario pointed out that if they had just secured one crucial rebound, the outcome could have been different.
“Nakita namin kaya talaga e. Breaks of the game lang talaga, yung last shot ni Rey (Nambatac). Coming off ilang offensive rebounds, hindi lang talaga namin na-secure yung pinaka-importanteng rebound na yun.”
Now, the Kings are channeling that fighting spirit into Game 4.
“May chance kami. Hindi lang kami nakapag-execute nung kinakailangan,” Rosario added.
Abarrientos, meanwhile, knows they can’t dwell on the uncertainty of Brownlee’s injury.
“We’re still hoping the best for JB. Pero kailangan naming harapin ito. We need to move on.”
The ‘Never-Say-Die’ Spirit Lives On
Barangay Ginebra has built a legacy on overcoming adversity, and this series is shaping up to be another classic test of their “Never-Say-Die” mentality. Whether Brownlee suits up or not, expect the Kings to leave everything on the floor against a TNT squad powered by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
Game 4 isn’t just about survival—it’s about proving that even with a handicap, Ginebra will fight until the final buzzer.
Brownlee’s Absence is a Big Blow—but Not a Dealbreaker
Nobody in the Ginebra camp is downplaying how big of a loss Brownlee is. Rookie guard RJ Abarrientos put it simply:
“Siyempre ibang factor kapag wala si JB sa loob. Iba yung nama-magnet ni JB sa offense, tapos siyempre pagdating sa depensa meron kaming bigger guy and help sa mga locals like JB.”
Troy Rosario echoed that sentiment, admitting that losing their three-time Best Import was a huge blow.
“Malaking bagay yung nawala si Justin, kasi siya yung No. 1 option namin.”
Without Brownlee down the stretch, the Kings still nearly pulled off a win in Game 3, even leading 82-80 with under two minutes left. But TNT responded with a clutch seven-point run, capped off by a dagger three from Rey Nambatac, sealing an 87-85 win and a 2-1 series lead.
All-Filipino Ginebra? No Problem.
Despite the tough loss, Ginebra isn’t sulking. In fact, their Game 3 performance proved they can still go toe-to-toe with TNT—even with an all-Filipino lineup. Rosario pointed out that if they had just secured one crucial rebound, the outcome could have been different.
“Nakita namin kaya talaga e. Breaks of the game lang talaga, yung last shot ni Rey (Nambatac). Coming off ilang offensive rebounds, hindi lang talaga namin na-secure yung pinaka-importanteng rebound na yun.”
Now, the Kings are channeling that fighting spirit into Game 4.
“May chance kami. Hindi lang kami nakapag-execute nung kinakailangan,” Rosario added.
Abarrientos, meanwhile, knows they can’t dwell on the uncertainty of Brownlee’s injury.
“We’re still hoping the best for JB. Pero kailangan naming harapin ito. We need to move on.”
The ‘Never-Say-Die’ Spirit Lives On
Barangay Ginebra has built a legacy on overcoming adversity, and this series is shaping up to be another classic test of their “Never-Say-Die” mentality. Whether Brownlee suits up or not, expect the Kings to leave everything on the floor against a TNT squad powered by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
Game 4 isn’t just about survival—it’s about proving that even with a handicap, Ginebra will fight until the final buzzer.
Mar 20, 2025
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