BROWNLEE HOPING THIRD TIME'S A CHARM IN RIVALRY VS RHJ

AFTER losing in his last two PBA Finals appearances, Justin Brownlee hopes to have a different result this time as he and Barangay Ginebra face Rondae Hollis-Jefferson-led TNT again for the 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup title.

Brownlee went undefeated in his first six finals appearances with Ginebra until Hollis-Jefferson led TNT to victories in the 2023 and 2024 Governors’ Cup, both at the Gin Kings' expense.

"Hopefully, the third time, you know what they say, third time’s a charm hopefully," said Brownlee. "It’s going to be a hard-fought battle for us."

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The 36-year-old Brownlee said that even in the two finals losses, he felt Ginebra played good enough to win the championship on both occasions.

"They’ve been having our number. They’ve been playing well in the past two finals. So, hopefully, we can just get in there and change some stuff around and have a different outcome than the past two. We’re looking forward to it. I think we are more ready than ever. Hopefully, everything just comes together," Brownlee said.

Brownlee is coming in a lot fresher for this finals that the previous ones. Even though he came from a Gilas Pilipinas campaign during the February window, Ginebra was able to manage Brownlee’s minutes in the NorthPort semifinal series.

The Gilas naturalized player averaged 38 minutes and 55 seconds in five games, but mostly sat out in late stretches with all four wins against the Batang Pier coming in blowout fashion.

On top of that, the finals was played one week after Ginebra closed the series against NorthPort last March 7 even as Brownlee was recently taken to the hospital after an asthma attack in practice.

"I think the Gilas window maybe took a little toll on me, but, as an athlete, that’s what we get paid for, play games. And I’ve been having a great opportunity to play for the national team. It’s a blessing. So the aches and pains, whatever comes with it, that’s fine with me because if this is what I wanted, this is what I signed up for," Brownlee said.

JB on a mission

"But overall, I feel pretty good. But definitely, the week before the finals, it’s well-needed, and I’ll take advantage of it," Brownlee added.

For Ginebra to win this time, Brownlee knows they must find a way to slow down Hollis-Jefferson, who is averaging 28.17 points, 12.44 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.89 steals, and 1.83 blocks for the Tropang Giga this conference.

"I’ve got a great deal of respect for him with what he’s been doing in the past and what he is doing now with TNT. He’s been incredible for them," said Brownlee of Hollis-Jefferson.

"Hopefully, it could change and we win this time. But like I said, he’s a tough match-up for anybody in this league. We’re going to just try to do our best, try to contain him, try to get wins, and try to get into a rhythm."

PHOTO: Mark Cristino

But Brownlee said Ginebra will have more weapons now with Jamie Malonzo and Jeremiah Gray back from serious injuries and Troy Rosario being an added piece in the frontcourt.

"The chemistry has been getting better, and of course with Jamie back, Jeremiah back, and Troy, we got him in this conference, so hopefully that can be the edge," said Brownlee.

"It’s going to be a hard-fought series, and any edge we can have or we can get, we’re definitely going to try to take advantage of it," said Brownlee.

2025-03-12T12:05:53Z