Justin Brownlee continues to do amazing things, and he did it again on Friday in leading Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to a 111-104 Game 5 win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Another Justin Brownlee Masterclass for Ginebra
Brownlee finished with a game‑high 32 points on top of 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks, but deflected credit yet again. For JB, his offensive onslaught is just the Ginebra system doing wonders.
“Our offense, the way we run our offense, it’s very good at getting guys open—especially if you’re featured in the offense…,” Brownlee told reporters in a media scrum after Game 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The six‑time PBA champion shot 12‑for‑21 from the field in 40 minutes to help Ginebra to the all‑important win.
“The team has been doing a really good job of finding me in certain areas, coming off a pindown or setting ball screens,” added the three‑time PBA Best Import. “I’ve just been trying to move the ball, but I have to credit the offense, the triangle. Obviously, I know it very well, and I know where I can pick my spots in it.”
In Game 5, Ginebra’s offense flowed primarily through Brownlee and sophomore guard RJ Abarrientos, who had 31 points himself, also on 12‑for‑21 shooting.
Brownlee Gives Ralph Cu Some Love
Part of why the Ginebra triangle works is due to players who can run it well. One of these players is Ralph Cu, who had his best game of the series in Game 5 after putting up 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. And Brownlee took notice.
“He’s probably one of the, if not the smartest player that I’ve ever played with,” Brownlee said of Cu. “He’s very intelligent when it comes to basketball. He’s very good at reading the game, and I see it a lot in practice guarding him. He might not be the most athletic guy on the floor, but he’s definitely one of the smartest guys, so he showed that tonight.”
Smart‑guy Cu certainly showed out in Game 5 and was duly rewarded by Tim Cone, who used the former La Salle Green Archer for 19 minutes—the most he has played this series.
