Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings import Justin Brownlee in Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against TNT Tropang Giga. Marlo Cueto/INQUIRER.net
Justin Brownlee is doubtful to play in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals after dislocating his right thumb in Barangay Ginebra’s loss to TNT.
But coach Tim Cone, who confirmed Brownlee’s status Thursday, also said that nothing is set in stone for the all-important contest which the Gin Kings must win in order to tie the best-of-seven series at 2-2.
READ: PBA Finals: Justin Brownlee return still unclear after thumb injury
“Justin is doubtful to play, but he hasn’t been ruled completely out yet,” Cone said.
Brownlee got hurt with 6:42 left in the third quarter of Wednesday’s Game 3 at Philsports Arena in Pasig City after diving for the looseball before he was taken to the locker room.
Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings import Justin Brownlee injures his thumb in Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against TNT Tropang Giga. Marlo Cueto/INQUIRER.net
He was later taken to the hospital, with the game still ongoing, for further observation.
Despite Brownlee’s absence, Ginebra even took leads in the fourth quarter before TNT went on to win, 87-85, behind the heroics of Rey Nambatac.
HIGHLIGHTS: PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals – Ginebra vs TNT Game 3
Ginebra has opted to take a wait-and-see approach instead of going for temporary replacement which fans have been suggesting on social media.
Under PBA rules, teams can still replace imports during the Finals, provided they inform the league before 12 noon on the eve of the game.
If Ginebra entertains that option, Brownlee can still return since he’s the team’s import for the start of the conference.
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Brownlee is averaging 27.3 points on 47-percent shooting with 10.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.0 blocks in the series.
