As Barangay Ginebra shifts its focus toward the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, the storyline surrounding the Gin Kings is the condition of Justin Brownlee.
The resident import suffered a hamstring injury during Ginebra’s quarterfinal victory over Phoenix Super LPG last Friday, creating immediate concern ahead of a crucial semifinal showdown against Rain or Shine.
Despite the scare, Brownlee remains optimistic that he will be available when the series opens Wednesday at Ynares Center Antipolo.
The injury happened in the third quarter after Brownlee attacked the basket and appeared to tweak his right leg on the play.
He was later forced to exit the game, but not before helping steer Ginebra toward another postseason breakthrough.
“I just got a little tweak on that play driving to the rim. Hopefully, it ain’t too bad but just felt a little something. Good thing we were up big. Got to give a lot of credit to the team,” Brownlee said.
Even with limited minutes after the injury, Brownlee still posted 24 points, five rebounds, and five assists — numbers that once again highlighted how central he remains to Ginebra’s offense and composure in pressure situations.
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Head coach Tim Cone said the team continues to closely monitor Brownlee’s recovery, though early signs have reportedly been encouraging.
Ginebra understands that its championship hopes largely depend on the health of the league’s longtime import, especially against a Rain or Shine squad entering the semifinals with confidence.
Brownlee himself acknowledged the challenge waiting ahead.
“We’ve seen what Rain or Shine did to them. It’s a very tough game,” he said.
The 6-foot-7 import believes the Elasto Painters’ pace and energy create a completely different kind of playoff test.
“Their style of play is very difficult to handle. So it’s gonna be difficult for us, but we’re up for the challenge,” the 38-years-old import said.
Ginebra defeated Rain or Shine during the eliminations, but Brownlee expects that result to fuel the Elasto Painters even more in the semifinals.
“We know we beat them in the eliminations, so we know they want to get some get-back for that. But we’re ready for the challenge and we just expect a hard, tough series,” he said.
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