Even without Justin Brownlee, the Ginebra Gin Kings are a formidable team, says TNT Tropang Giga coach Chot Reyes.
Whether or not Ginebra plays without Justin Brownlee, there is no way TNT would underestimate Ginebra.
Just ask Tropang Giga coach Chot Reyes.
Reyes pointed out that TNT needed to give it their all despite the sudden exit of Brownlee due to a dislocated thumb to complete an 87-85 win in Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals Wednesday, March 19.
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“Took our very best. We actually talked about it when Justin came out. I told the players that we’re going to see the best Ginebra here,” said Reyes, whose team now leads the series, 2-1.
“Even without Justin, we have to be at our best. I just reminded the players how strong and how deep that team is and to not let our guards down even with Brownlee out of the game.”
Brownlee suffered the injury at the 6:42 mark of the third period. He had to be rushed to the hospital to get treated.
Reyes and TNT saw an inspired Ginebra right after.
Even sans the beloved import, the Gin Kings' local crew stayed within striking distance and even led 83-80 in the final minutes.
Fortunately for Reyes, his charges stayed composed for the victory.
Now Reyes is wary this could be a rallying point for the Gin Kings going forward.
“Exactly. We don't know. But even without him, nakita ninyo naman today how strong, how tight that team is,” Reyes said when asked if he thought Brownlee’s injury would be an added motivation for Ginebra.
“Without Justin, somebody else is going to step up. They're going to rely on their defense, their ability to defend us, to generate stops for themselves. This is not over by any means. We have to make sure we're ready.”
It’s unclear yet whether Brownlee can play in Game 4, but the Tropang Giga will brace for an all-out war nonetheless on Friday, March 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.