Ginebra coach Tim Cone was in awe with how Justin Brownlee showed up to play in Game 4 after dislocating his right thumb just two days prior.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone was already looking at options when Justin Brownlee dislocated his right thumb in Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals last Wednesday, March 19.
Cone bared they considered naturalized Filipino Ange Kouame to replace Brownlee.
But Brownlee soldiered on and came out to play in Game 4 two days later, thanks in large part to the team’s medical staff including physical therapist Arcee Cua.
“And I thought he was out for the series, frankly. We even [looked at] Ange Kouame to see if he could replace Justin. But then Justin said, ‘I think I can play,’” said Cone after the team’s inspiring 95-78 win over TNT in Game 4 Friday, March 21.
[RELATED STORY: Malonzo, Gin Kings rally behind injured Brownlee: 'Just anything we can do to help him']
Cone tipped his hat off to Cua and company.
“So I've got to give Arcee and the training group a huge thank you because they got him in a position where they could put a tape in and secure that thumb,” Cone added.
Ginebra Gin King Justin Brownlee gives his all despite nursing a right thumb injury in Game 4 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup Finals. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Just how severe was Brownlee’s injury?
“I just got to add that this may sound a little gross, but when you take that tape off his thumb, his thumb falls out, just literally falls out like that,” Cone said.
“I mean, it doesn't even stay in, the joint, it just literally falls out. That's secured in there right now. But the moment that tape comes out, there's no security at all. It just automatically falls out of the joint. So it automatically dislocates.”
Brownlee has been Ginebra’s resident import since 2016, but he never ceases to amaze the winningest tactician in the league, especially after bucking the pain of his injury to help his team level the series at 2-2.
[WATCH: Injured Justin Brownlee goes warrior mode as he powers Gins to Game 4 win | PBA Highlights]
The beloved import ended up being adjudged Player of the Game after a 23-point performance.
"That's painful, and that's what he went through tonight to go out there and play. It amazes me," said Cone.
"I still didn't think he was going to play. And then what does he do? He gets Player of the Game. I mean, amazing. He's not only just a great player, but he's such a warrior,” Cone said of Brownlee, who also had 12 rebounds, five assists and two blocks in 45:32 of play.
Brownlee and the Gin Kings look to gain the 3-2 lead in Game 5 set Sunday, March 23, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.