MANILA, Philippines – Not even a dislocated thumb could keep Justin Brownlee from putting up an impressive showing, as he led Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to a convincing 95-78 victory over TNT Tropang Giga. The win evened the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals at 2-2 on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
 |
| Justin Brownlee epitomizes Ginebra’s “Never Say Die” spirit, overcoming a dislocated thumb to post 23 points, 11 rebounds, and secure a crucial Game 4 win to tie the series 2-2. Photo Credit: PBA.ph |
TNT Tropang Giga and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel engaged in a fast-paced exchange of baskets from the opening tip. Both teams matched each other’s intensity, but Ginebra found ways to capitalize on key possessions, gaining the upper hand early in the game.
Justin Brownlee, back from a Game 3 injury, tested his shot with a smooth baseline jumper at the seven-minute mark. Meanwhile, newly crowned Best Player of the Conference, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, quickly took control of the paint.
Both imports had an unusually slow start in the opening quarter, allowing the locals to take charge. Stephen Holt ignited Ginebra’s offense with a quarter-high 10 points, showcasing his scoring versatility. On the other end, RR Pogoy stepped up for Tropang Giga, delivering key baskets to keep the game within reach.
Aside from Holt’s early contributions, Jamie Malonzo caught fire from beyond the arc, punishing TNT’s defense with his perimeter shooting. His hot hand, combined with Ginebra’s aggressive play on both ends, allowed the Gin Kings to establish a solid double-digit lead. By the end of the first quarter, they were in control, 31-21.
The Texters knew the threat Ginebra posed with a big lead, so they wasted no time in the second quarter. With heightened intensity on both ends, TNT quickly erased the deficit, trimming it to a single possession in a matter of moments.
Rey Nambatac played a key role in TNT’s scoring surge, keeping the pressure on Ginebra. Meanwhile, Brownlee showed no signs of injury, maintaining a flawless shooting streak with over six minutes remaining in the quarter.
Calvin Oftana caught fire from beyond the arc, countering Ginebra's attempts to extend their lead. His sharpshooting kept TNT within striking distance, trimming the deficit to just four points, 53-49, by halftime.
As the third quarter progressed, the Gin Kings found themselves in a strong position with four players already in double figures. Brownlee, despite playing through a taped right wrist and thumb, epitomized Ginebra’s “Never Say Die” spirit, relentlessly leading the charge and asserting his dominance on the court.
Ginebra briefly pushed their lead back to double digits, but TNT quickly responded with composure. A well-executed 7-0 scoring run brought the deficit down to just two points, keeping the game within reach. Pogoy came up clutch, sinking crucial baskets to chip away at Ginebra’s advantage and shift the momentum in TNT’s favor.
Tropang Giga's offensive momentum carried on as they seized the lead from Ginebra. However, the Gin Kings wasted no time responding, firing back with a barrage of three-pointers to regain control. As the buzzer sounded to end the third quarter, Ginebra held a slim 72-66 advantage, setting the stage for a thrilling final frame.
Brownlee stayed sharp despite his injury, while Hollis-Jefferson remained in a scoring drought since the first half. Fortunately for TNT, his teammates stepped up, igniting an offensive surge in the fourth to keep Ginebra from pulling away.
Hollis-Jefferson’s underwhelming performance wasn’t the only headache for Coach Chot Reyes. TNT faced another setback as Poy Erram, their towering presence in the paint, fouled out with still seven minutes remaining, leaving the Texters shorthanded in the crucial stretch.
As the electrifying “Ginebra! Ginebra!” chants thundered through the Ynares Center, the crowd-favorite squad fed off the energy, unleashing a relentless offensive surge. With under four minutes remaining, Ginebra stretched their advantage to its largest of the night, establishing a commanding 13-point lead and inching closer to sealing the much-needed victory.
Coach Reyes conceded defeat at the two-minute mark, allowing Coach Tim Cone and Barangay Ginebra to secure a dominant 95-78 victory and even the series at 2-2. Despite playing with a dislocated thumb, Brownlee delivered a stellar performance, finishing with 23 points and 11 rebounds.
Game 5 is set for Sunday, March 23, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, where the winner will seize a crucial 3-2 series edge and move one step closer to the championship.
— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express
