Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings import Justin Brownlee and Meralco Bolts Akil Mitchell during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals Game 1. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Meralco and Ginebra have gone on to write one of the more colorful rivalries in the PBA over the past few years.
Justin Brownlee played most of that newfound rivalry against the Bolts in recent history while Meralco had its own import to match up against the Gin Kings’ resident import.
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SCHEDULE: 2024-2025 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals
For the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals where Meralco and Ginebra are facing off once again in a best-of-three series, Brownlee saw shades of his longtime Meralco rival in current import Akil Mitchell.
That rival, of course, is none other than former PBA import, Allen Durham.
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“To be honest, he’s a little bit similar but I think the main thing is, he’s just a bit bigger,” said Brownlee. “He’s definitely stronger but in my opinion, he’s a lot like Allen.”
Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings import Justin Brownlee and Meralco Bolts Akil Mitchell during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals Game 1. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Brownlee and Mitchell’s first matchup in the PBA certainly had glimpses of the old rivalry.
The Gilas naturalized big posted a usual all-around effort of 23 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a steal in 44 tiresome minutes to push Ginebra closer to the semis.
READ; PBA: Scottie Thompson leads Ginebra past Meralco and closer to semis
However, Mitchell was no slack in the Meralco loss as he registered some Durham-like numbers of 19 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and three steals.
Brownlee and Mitchell’s first official clash in the premier Philippine league was quite the head-to-head matchup, considering they already had history some 10 years ago.
“I actually played him in France over a decade ago, so I’ve been familiar with his game for almost 10 years now.”
“In my first time playing against him here in the Philippines reminded me that he’s so physical and relentless.”
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Brownlee and Mitchell go at it again on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium for Game 2.
