Ginebra super import Justin Brownlee allayed any fears that he's dealing with an injury during the ongoing PBA Governors' Cup Finals.
There were times during Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals when Barangay Ginebra import Justin Brownlee looked hobbled, holding on to his hamstring, as he went to the bench.
Brownlee went on to finish the game with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists in 44 minutes of action, helping Ginebra secure a huge 85-73 victory over TNT.
Still, many fans were immediately concerned about Brownlee’s condition heading into the crucial Game 4 match.
But the 36-year-old super import himself downplayed the issue, even joking that it’s more so his age.
“No concern, just getting old I guess. Just a little cramp. Obviously, everybody knows the history I have with cramps and things like that. Just gotta keep emphasizing for myself just to stay hydrated,” Brownlee told reporters after the match.
“I'm a person that sweats a lot, even when I'm not playing. Even right now, you can probably see I'm sweating but I sweat a lot just naturally. It's just something I just gotta focus on to keep rehydrating,” he added.
Brownlee also made sure to emphasize that he likely wasn’t the only one dealing with the fatigue and pains that a player has to endure in a seven-game series.
“At this point, I'm sure everybody got a little nicks and pains, so being hurt at this point can't be an excuse,” said Brownlee.
“Obviously, an injury is different but just everybody is hurting I'm sure. TNT, I'm sure most of the players over there, they [are] playing big minutes. Rondae, I'm sure he's played the whole conference and played at a high level, so I'm pretty sure everybody got a little nicks and pains here and there,” he added.
[ALSO READ: Joe Devance sees action, gives Japeth Aguilar much-needed rest for Ginebra in Game 3 win]
Heading into Game 4, the Gin Kings will hope to have the same success they did against the Tropang Giga in the hopes of tying the series at 2-games apiece.
To do that, Brownlee said Ginebra must continue its focus on the defensive end of the court.
“I think that there's where it's gonna be won—on the defensive end. At least that's what it's proven to be the past three games,” said Brownlee.
“I think that's where we're gonna have to even match them or be better. Definitely, tried to emphasize defense today and we did a great job all around the board,” he added.
[ALSO READ: LA Tenorio provides spark, veteran leadership in Ginebra’s Game 3 victory vs TNT]
Game 4 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals will be on Sunday, November 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.