The Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings were in danger of falling into an 0-2 hole in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup. But Justin Brownlee was not going to let that happen.
Brownlee found his rhythm early as he had made mincemeat of the San Miguel Beermen’s defense. With a balanced diet of jumpshots, layups, putbacks, 3-pointers, and a 4-pointer, it was clearly evident that he could not be contained in the second half as he scored 35 of his career-high 51 points in a 108-102 victory.
The Gin Kings needed all of his points as they could not shake off the previously undefeated SMB for much of the contest. Both teams were tied through the first two quarters and Ginebra and San Miguel took turns with the lead and never led by more than eight points. Brownlee’s efforts eventually won out, although he may have also noticed that Jordan Adams, his counterpart with the Beermen, dropped 50 points against the Blackwater Bossing.
While the Gin Kings sorely needed a win, this was something special from Brownlee. Yes, he reset his career-high in points and the naturalized Gilas big man does not lack (quiet) confidence, but Brownlee needed to quickly find his rhythm after a stint with Gilas Pilipinas and the long layoff following the Olympics.
There’s a new format with this year’s PBA Governors’ Cup and it may not suit Ginebra if they revert to their usual slow start, strong finish type of campaign. More losses will only put the Gin Kings in a tougher position so Bronwlee had to step up (as if he wasn’t already). Besides, a better seed in the knockout rounds could afford them more rest.
Moreover, the early emergence of the 3-time PBA Best Import of the Conference should help his teammates both new to the team and old in age get their bearings. Ginebra got younger in the offseason, but their young guns have largely been misfiring. Meanwhile, the remaining veterans have gotten older and can only contribute in spurts.
With the mileage Brownlee has put on his body in recent years, though, one has to wonder how long he can keep this up. The 36-year old has fortunately avoided major injuries apart from the bone spurs in his ankle. With that behind him, he’s been in the best form of his career thus far and there’s no sign he’s slowing down.
We can safely assume that the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings will go as far as Justin Brownlee can take them. Against the San Miguel Beermen, Brownlee proved that while he’s one of the elder statesmen, age is clearly just a number, one that’s now overshadowed by his new career-high in the PBA.
