Justin Brownlee was also a force on the defensive end for Ginebra in its Game 3 victory over San Miguel in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup semifinals.
There is more to Justin Brownlee than clutch shots for Brgy. Ginebra.
Brownlee can defend too.
That was evident in the Gin Kings’ 99-94 triumph over San Miguel in Game 3 that swung momentum back to their side in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup semifinals on Sunday, Oct. 13.
On top of 30 points, Brownlee also had a game-high five blocks against the bigger Beermen at the Dasmarinas City Arena in Cavite.
“Justin really has a way of picking his spots just like he does offensively. I think that’s a really underrated part of his game,” said Cone of Brownlee, who also had nine rebounds and five assists.
“Just like he has a way to pick up his spots and make big plays offensively, he has the same ability defensively.”
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Brownlee was the defensive anchor for Ginebra in Sunday’s tussle where they limited San Miguel to below their 118-point average in the semifinals.
But whether Brownlee is scoring or defending, Cone and the rest of the Gin Kings expect the naturalized Filipino to play big on both ends of the floor when push comes to shove.
“It just seems to happen in big moments. He’s just a big moments guy,” Cone said. “That’s his history. That’s what he's been. He’s been incredibly consistent with it over the years. That’s what makes him who he is.”
Brownlee is expected to take the same major role in Game 4 on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.