Justin Brownlee ended up with team-high 23 points, but there was just no stopping TNT in Game 1 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals.
Justin Brownlee did not expect Ginebra to breeze through TNT in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals.
That proved true on Sunday, October 27.
Brownlee himself struggled in the 104-88 loss in the Finals opener, going 1-for-5 from the field for two points in the opening quarter at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
He still ended up with 23 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. But the Gin Kings could not figure out a way through the Tropang Giga.
“Congratulations to TNT. From start to finish, they jumped on us,” said Brownlee.
“We actually kinda got back in the game and made a few runs but every time we seemed like we tried to make a run and get in the game they made a big stop, big shot on offense.”
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He doesn’t expect things to be easier going forward.
After all, the Tropang Giga have embraced a defensive mentality the entire conference.
“TNT they have been a [defensive] team this conference. So it’s not gonna be easy. Coach Tim he def explained that to us from this past week we’ve prepared. He told us it's gonna be easy,” said Brownlee, whose team shot a woeful 2-of-21 from the three-point area.
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But there’s no time to sulk for the Gin Kings.
With a couple of days in between Games 1 and 2, Brownlee said Ginebra is leaving no stones unturned in figuring out a way to bounce back from their opening debacle.
“Credit to their defense. But we’re going to practice tomorrow and watch some film. I’m sure coach Tm will have some will have some adjustments for us and things to look at and try to figure out,” he said.
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