From watching Justin Brownlee's championship-winning shot in 2016 as a high schooler, RJ Abarrientos got to see another iconic shot from the Ginebra import in 2024 but as his teammate.
In his first season in the PBA, RJ Abarrientos already experienced what it’s like to play alongside Justin Brownlee, experiencing first-hand the magic of the Ginebra super import.
Going up against the Meralco Bolts in the Governors’ Cup quarterfinals, Brownlee delivered another memorable shot that will go down in PBA history, sinking the game-winning three over Allen Durham in Game 2 of the series.
The now-iconic shot was reminiscent of his championship-winning triple in 2016, which was also over the defense of Durham.
[ALSO READ: Cone ranks Brownlee's Game 2 finisher for Ginebra over Meralco as among his Top 5]
Left in awe by Brownlee’s greatness on the court is Abarrientos, who recalled watching the 2016 shot back when he was in high school.
“I was stunned nung tira ni Justin Brownlee. Napa-wow na lang ako kasi nung time nung 2016, Game 6 ata against Meralco din. Nanonood lang ako nun kasi high school ako nun eh,” Abarrientos said.
Years later, Ginebra’s prized rookie became teammates with the 36-year-old forward and was even just a few meters away when JB took another game-winning shot over AD.
“So, ngayon na parang nilagay lang ako sa game na okay teammate ko si Justin tapos ginawa niya ulit ‘yun na teammate niya ako, so sobrang grateful, blessed ako na nakita ko na ‘yun, na-witness ko ‘yung greatness ni Justin Brownlee sa Ginebra,” Abarrientos added.
With momentum on their side, Abarrientos and Brownlee powered the Gin Kings to a Game 3 sweep of the Bolts to advance to the semifinals.
Brownlee finished 23 points, including two four-pointers in the final frame, while Abarrientos contributed 17 markers.
“Hanggang ngayon hindi ko alam paano ako maka-move on kasi nanalo na naman kami so sobrang blessed ako, sobrang thankful ako,” said Abarrientos.
[ALSO READ: Justin Brownlee gives credit to rival Meralco: 'They’re a nightmare for us, to be honest']
The Gin Kings will now await the winner between the San Miguel Beermen and Converge FiberXers.
(With reports from Maureen Muarip/One Sports)