WITH or without Justin Brownlee, Barangay Ginebra is ready to move forward and battle TNT with a handicap.
Rookie guard RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario both acknowledged the huge impact left by Brownlee following the dislocated thumb he suffered in Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals.
But with the health status of the prolific import uncertain heading to Friday's Game 4, the entire Kings are ready to take on the challenge of playing with an all-Filipino crew opposite a Tropang Giga side that boasts of having one of the most talented reinforcements in PBA history in Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
"Siyempre ibang factor kapag wala si JB sa loob. Iba yung nama-magnet ni JB sa offense, tapos siyempre pagdating sa depensa meron kaming bigger guy and help sa mga locals like JB," said Abarrientos.
"Big factor nung nawala si JB."
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Without the three-time Best Import in the homestretch, the Kings lost a close one against the Tropang Giga, 87-85, and trail in the best-of-seven series anew, 2-1.
'Malaking bagay yung nawala si Justin, kasi siya yung no. 1 option namin," admitted Rosario.
But even playing all-Filipino, the Kings had the Tropang Giga on the ropes as they even led, 82-80, entering the final two minutes of the game at the Philsports Arena.
The Tropang Giga though, answered back with seven consecutive points, capped by that clutch Rey Nambatac corner three that put TNT on top for good, 85-82.
"Nakita namin kaya talaga e. Breaks of the game lang talaga, yung last shot ni Rey (Nambatac). Coming off ilang offensive rebounds, hindi lang talaga namin na-secure yung pinaka-importanteng rebound na yun," Rosario said.
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It was that huge fight in Brownlee's absence that gives Ginebra the optimism it can overcome the huge adversity facing the team in the next game - or perhaps for the rest of the series.
"May chance kami. Hindi lang kami nakapag-execute nung kinakailangan," said Rosario.
Added Abarrientos, "Were still hoping the best for JB. Pero kailangan naming harapin ito. We need to move on."
For Barangay Ginebra, this one's another case of 'Never-Say-Die.'(RG)
