WITH Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s star import Justin Brownlee exiting mid-game due to an apparent injury, the TNT Tropang Giga seized the opportunity to take a 2-1 series lead with a nail-biting 87-85 win.
The Tropang Giga narrowly defeated the Gin Kings, who lost a key player in Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Despite Brownlee’s exit in the third quarter, Ginebra made a valiant effort to keep the game as close as possible. However, TNT was propelled to victory by Rey Nambatac’s on-court prowess.
Dodged a Bullet
Ginebra led TNT 48-42 entering the halftime break after Rondae Hollis-Jefferson hit a buzzer-beating mid-range jumpshot. However, the gruesome injury occurred in the third quarter.
The stalwart Ginebra import injured his hand when diving for a loose ball around 6:42 in the third quarter, with Brownlee’s right thumb colliding with the hardwood as he tumbled to the floor.
With the import down, Glen Khobutin was left open at the three-point line, sinking a crucial basket to take the lead, 59-58. Brownlee sat on the bench for a while before leaving since his injury could not be treated immediately.
Photo Courtesy: PBA Images
The close game went on as the two teams were tied at 82 with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter. At the 30-second mark, Nambatac made a tough three-pointer, giving TNT an 85-82 advantage.
RJ Abarrientos then made a vital mistake on Ginebra’s following possession, resulting in an easy lay-in by Khobuntin, allowing the Tropang GIGA to extend their lead to five with only 13 seconds remaining.
Scottie Thompson kept Ginebra’s hopes alive on the other end with his own three-pointer, which pulled them within two, but it was too late as TNT sealed the victory on their next possession.
Stay Locked In
With Jayson Castro out, Nambatac emerged as TNT’s main local scorer, finishing with 24 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. Hollis-Jefferson finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double.
“It took our very best. We actually talked about it when Justin [Brownlee] went out, and I told the players that we’re going to see the best Ginebra here, so we have to be at our best,” said head coach Chot Reyes post-game.
While Brownlee’s return to the series is still uncertain, as the team has not provided an update on his condition, Reyes insisted that the team must remain prepared despite the departure of the three-time Best Import.
“We don’t know. But even without him, nakita niyo naman today how strong, how tight that team is,” Reyes highlighted, talking about how Ginebra managed to keep the game close without their main piece.
“Without Justin, somebody else is going to step up. They’re going to rely on their defense, their ability to defend us, to generate stops for themselves. This is not over by any means. We have to make sure we’re ready,” he added.
Brownlee Update
Shortly after the game, Ginebra deputy Richard Del Rosario stated that they have yet to receive a formal update on Brownlee’s injury. The team hopes he can return, but encourages them to step up if not.
“Even if we lost Justin, we stayed in the game,” he said. “But we don’t view it as an excuse talaga. We still expect to win because this is the championship, wala nang time for excuses,” Del Rosario insisted.
“It’s definitely a big concern. A part of our system revolves around Justin. Warrior naman to si Justin, basta kaya niya, kaunting sakit lang yan, maglalaro yan. But again, we don’t know if Justin’s going to play on Friday, or not,” he added.
The Finals Game 4 action resumes with or without Brownlee on Friday, 7:35 p.m., at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, with the awarding of the Best Import and Best Player of the Conference will be held.
