In a tightly contested opener that went down to the final possession, veteran import Justin Brownlee once again delivered in the clutch, drilling the game-winning basket with just 0.6 seconds remaining to secure the victory and give Ginebra a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.
Brownlee finished with 23 points, four rebounds, and eight assists, orchestrating Ginebra’s offense down the stretch while also taking charge in crucial defensive stops. The reigning fan favorite continued his reputation as one of the most reliable closers in PBA history, adding another memorable finish to his growing list of Finals heroics.
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He was well-supported by rising guard RJ Abarrientos, who played one of his strongest Finals performances to date. Abarrientos tallied 24 points, three rebounds, and seven assists, providing consistent scoring and playmaking as Ginebra weathered multiple TNT rallies throughout the game. His poise in high-pressure moments proved vital in keeping the Gin Kings within striking distance before Brownlee sealed the outcome.
The victory also carried added narrative weight for Brownlee, who is looking to overcome a difficult Finals history against TNT franchises in recent conferences. The Ginebra import has previously come up short multiple times against the Tropang 5G during past championship clashes, particularly during matchups against former TNT reinforcement Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
Former St. John’s standout Justin Brownlee hits the game winner in game one of the Philippines Commission Cup Finals.
Brownlee finished with 23 points and eight assists in the victory. #SJUBB
pic.twitter.com/NuLeeq5NyG— Tom Ballato (@thenextprospect) June 3, 2026
Hollis-Jefferson, who had been a central figure in TNT’s recent title runs, is currently sidelined for the season after suffering an Achilles injury while competing for the Meralco Bolts in the East Asia Super League (EASL). His absence has reshaped TNT’s import rotation, with Chris McCullough stepping in as his replacement for the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup campaign.
Following the game, Brownlee offered his assessment of McCullough, acknowledging both similarities and differences between TNT’s current import and his former Finals rival Hollis-Jefferson.
“Obviously, C-Mac is a little bit taller, but Rondae, he plays taller than he is. I can’t really say big differences. I do think Rondae is an elite defender. I’m not saying C-Mac is not a good defender, but Rondae is definitely more known as far as when it comes to defense. He is an elite, world-class defender. Can C-Mac be that as well? I’m not sure. But he definitely has the ability to do that,” Brownlee said in a media interaction.
The 38-year-old veteran import also praised McCullough’s offensive versatility, noting his ability to stretch the floor and attack off the dribble, while also placing him among a unique class of talented imports who have recently entered the PBA landscape.
“Of course, C-Mac, he is very talented offensively. He is really a great shooter from the outside. He is good at driving. He is athletic. C-Mac is just as good but Bol Bol, obviously, he is a special player. But we still have a very tough challenge with C-Mac at TNT,” he added.
With Ginebra taking an early series advantage, both teams now shift their focus to Game 2, scheduled for Friday, June 5, still at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. TNT will be aiming to bounce back and level the series, while Ginebra looks to extend its momentum and move closer to another Commissioner’s Cup title.
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