JUSTIN Brownlee made it look easy playing with a dislocated thumb in Barangay Ginebra's morale-boosting 95-78 Game 4 win over TNT in the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals.
But the truth of the matter, it was a struggle for the gutsy, resident import of the Kings.
"It's been a little tough," he said of his health situation which he suffered early in the second half of Game 3.
Physically and mentally, the 36-year-old naturalized player had to be prepared while Barangay Ginebra's team of physical therapists led by Arcee Cua took care of keeping the injury stable by properly taping the thumb in the joint, otherwise, it would fall out on its own.
"You know, I just try to go through the game, and luckily had the support from the team, the whole coaching staff and everybody," said Brownlee. "I just wanted to go out there and just be there for the team and try to get a win."
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The three-time Best Import just did that by tallying 23 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists to lead the Kings back to the series which is now tied at 2-2.
Brownlee also played 46 minutes despite having to endure the aching thumb, while spearheading Ginebra's strong start from the get-go by scoring 15 of his total output in the first half to set the tempo of the game.
"I wanted to be aggressive. I wanted to continue trying to play like I've been playing," he said. "I definitely had doubt as far as the tape. It's a different feel.
"But Thursday and before the game, I think I got the hang of it. I don't want to jinx myself, but I kind of got a good feel for it now."
Game 5 is set Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, and while Brownlee appeared ready to go based on how he played Friday night, coach Tim Cone said everything still depends on how the import will feel about the injury.
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"We'll see. It's going to be all about how he feels. He knows his body better than anybody," said the Ginebra coach, who referred to his prized import as a warrior.(RG)
