Chot Reyes, TNT capitalize on Ginebra super import Justin Brownlee's rare off night in Game 5

Coach Chot Reyes and his TNT wards dodged a bullet as Ginebra's prolific import Justin Brownlee turned in a woeful performance in Game 5 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

After averaging over 23.5 points four games into the Last Dance, Brownlee struggled with just eight on a woeful 3-for-13 clip in nearly 32 minutes of play, making it easier for the Tropang Giga to run away with a smashing 99-72 win at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Justin Brownlee fails to produce his usual numbers in Ginebra's Game 5 battle with TNT in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup Finals on Wednesday, Nov. 6. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports

 Brownlee no longer saw action in the fourth period, though.

“Like I’ve told you already in the past, we were fortunate he had an off night,” said Reyes of Brownlee.

The naturalized Filipino also had 10 rebounds and three assists in the defeat which returned the momentum and the lead to TNT, 3-2, in the race-to-four affair.

But Reyes is under no illusion things are going to be easy from here on out.

[ALSO READ: Scottie Thompson admits Ginebra 'outplayed' by TNT in Game 5 loss]

The Tropang Giga know very well that if there is a team that can overcome series deficits, Ginebra is definitely one of them.

After all, the Gin Kings scored two straight wins to breathe life to its bid following a 0-2 start in the series.

“We know that’s not going to persist in the next game,” Reyes said, referring to Brownlee’s off night.

“Coach Tim (Cone) already rested him early. Kind of preparing him for a one-step-backward, two-steps-forward attack in the next game. So we just need to be ready," Reyes said.

“We know he’s going to come out hard, as is the entire Ginebra team. So, we just need to make sure that we stay on our toes and be prepared for a big Ginebra fightback in the next game,” he added.

Game 6 unfurls on Friday, Nov. 8, in the same venue.