Cone takes responsibility for Brownlee's subpar performance in PBA Finals: 'That’s on me'

No, Justin Brownlee is not hurt.

Ginebra coach Tim Cone implied this shortly after the Gin Kings surrendered to TNT in the championship-clinching Game 6 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Friday, Nov. 8.

“It’s just this whole 'What’s wrong with Justin?' You got to take it as 'What’s right with RHJ (Tropang Giga import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson) and their defense.' Tip your cap where you need to tip it. Right now, it’s them,” said Cone.

[RELATED STORY: Justin Brownlee yearns for rematch with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson after 2nd PBA Finals loss: ‘It hurts a little bit’]

With former Brooklyn Net Hollis-Jefferson as its anchor, TNT simply clamped down on the beloved Ginebra reinforcement, added the winningest coach in the league.

“Just their defense, it’s really good. I keep saying this, I don't care, you bring Paul George over here, you bring top NBA guy over here, they’re going to struggle against Hollis-Jefferson’s defense,” Cone said. 

“They struggled against it in the NBA, they are going to struggle against it in the PBA.”

Coach Tim Cone says Justin Brownlee is not to blame for his below standard showing in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup Finals. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports

The concern from fans stemmed from Brownlee's supbar performance against the Hollis-Jefferson-led TNT in the best-of-seven finale.

At some point, the naturalized Filipino was also seen limping and holding his right hamstring during games. But Brownlee himself said he was not nursing any injury after averaging 19.67 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.5 blocks in the Last Dance.

"Nah, no injuries," Brownlee said. 

After going through top teams Meralco and San Miguel in the playoffs, Brownlee simply faltered. 

“I mean, Justin was great against San Miguel but struggled at times too. He’s not Superman,” Cone said.

[ALSO READ: Ginebra coach Tim Cone sad but gracious in defeat: 'I'm happy for Chot']

If people thought the prolific import played below his standards, Cone took the blame.

“Again, when he’s not playing well, that’s on me. That’s my fault. That’s not him. I got to figure out a way to get him open, get him free, get him shots, and I wasn’t able to do that this time,” Cone said.