Cone downplays Brownlee’s career-low outing in Game 5 loss to TNT: 'Just pogi points'

Justin Brownlee thrives under the bright lights.

The prolific import of Ginebra rarely has a bad game especially when there is a lot on the line.

Unfortunately for the Gin Kings, Brownlee had an off night, leading to their 72-99 loss to TNT in Game 5 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

 

The Tropang Giga’s defense worked so well it forced Brownlee to shoot 3-for-13 from the field for a career-low eight points. He averaged 23.5 points before the game.

Ginebra coach Tim Cone, though, doesn’t mind.

“Doesn't really matter. It's just pogi points. Doesn't really matter,” said Cone when asked about Brownlee’s woeful outing following a 34-point performance in Game 4.

“I mean, it doesn't matter what he does individually; it just matters that we lost by 30 points. Actually, it doesn't even matter that we lost by 30 points. Bottom line is, we lost. You'll still be talking to me even if we lost by one point or we lost by 30. So, it's the same thing.”

[RELATED STORY: Chot Reyes, TNT capitalize on Ginebra super import Justin Brownlee's rare off night in Game 5]

When the chips are down, Cone could always count on Brownlee to whip up some magic.

Not this time.

Brownlee, who also had 10 rebounds and three assists, subbed out with still three minutes in the third period then sat out the rest of the match.

Right now, there is nothing Cone could do but tip his hat off to defending champ TNT for a job well done.

“Right now, again, I know our fans feel bad about it, everybody feels bad about it, our team feels bad about it, but the bottomline is, it's just one game in a series,” Cone said.

“It could've happened in Games 1, 2 or 3. They came out and played. And, sometimes, you just got to tip your cap to the other team. They were ready, they were hungry, and we were a little satisfied after our two wins," he added.

Heading to Game 6, the Gin Kings shift their focus on the things they can control and hope Lady Luck will smile on them again. Match is set on Friday, Nov. 8.

“Now, it's our turn,” Cone added.