In Game 6 later today, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel will look to advance to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. It is the first of what are now two chances to punch a Finals ticket after their Game 5 win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, which is why Justin Brownlee and the other Gin Kings are bracing for a tough match with Rain or Shine facing elimination.
That is also why Brownlee, in particular, is hoping he and his teammates can rise to the challenge and play great in Game 6. In fact, that will be what it takes to finally eliminate the Elasto Painters, according to JB himself.
Best Game Loading for Brownlee and Ginebra?
Speaking to reporters after Game 5, Brownlee stressed how he expects Game 6 to be extra challenging and how Ginebra will have to give a special kind of effort to overcome such a challenge.
“It’s going to take an unbelievable effort. It’s definitely not going to be easy. Like I said, Coach Yeng Guiao and his team are going to be very tough,” Brownlee pointed out. “It’s going to take probably our best effort in this conference that we’ve put. We’re trying to play our best game so far.”
Ginebra was pretty good in Game 5 already. Brownlee had 32 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks in yet another brilliant all-around display. RJ Abarrientos was great as well, finishing with 31 points and 8 assists. Both combined to go 24-for-42 overall, as well. Troy Rosario even got his best-scoring game in this series, while Ralph Cu added 8 off the bench.
Still, it looks like Ginebra could play better. Scottie Thompson was limited to 22 minutes because of foul trouble, and Stephen Holt continues to be ineffective. Japeth Aguilar struggled, too.
On Friday, the great play of Brownlee and Abarrientos was enough. Later, in Game 6, they will have to be just as great. Their teammates will need to be better, as well, if they want to end this series.
