PBA: Shock Justin Brownlee return lifts Ginebra to Game 4 win vs TNT

Justin Brownlee played as if he has two healthy hands. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Based on medical history, a player who dislocated his thumb would have to wait for at least a month if he wants to make a quick return to action with a possibility of a six-month layoff for full recovery.

However, Justin Brownlee, who hurt his right thumb two nights back, took the risk of playing in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals, and he delivered.

Injured hand and all, Brownlee played like he never got hurt at all, leading Ginebra to a 95-78 win against TNT on Friday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Despite needing to play more of a mid-range game, Brownlee put up a brilliant performance, finishing with 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting with 12 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks.

It was Jamie Malonzo who took care of the rainbow territory, going 6-of-8 on threes to lead the Gin Kings' breakaway from the Tropang Giga.

Malonzo led Ginebra, which forced a 2-2 deadlock in the best-of-seven finals, with 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting, four rebounds, one assist, and one block.

Calvin Oftana led TNT with 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists in a game where Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, around two hours after he was named the Best Import of the Conference, was held to only 14 points on 5-for-18 field goals, although he too had 12 rebounds, five assists, and one block.

The Scores:

GINEBRA 95 – Malonzo 24, Brownlee 23, J.Aguilar 18, Holt 12, Thompson 9, Ahanmisi 7, Abarrientos 2, Cu 0, Mariano 0, Pinto 0, Rosario 0

TNT 78 – Oftana 17, Pogoy 16, Hollis-Jefferson 14, Nambatac 13, Williams 9, Erram 9, Aurin 0, Khobuntin 0, Razon 0, Heruela 0, Ebona 0

QUARTERS: 31-21, 53-49, 72-66, 95-78

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