MANILA, Philippines – Justin Brownlee does not mind losing the Best Import honors to whom he considers as a worthy winner.
Brownlee missed out on a fourth Best Import plum that would have placed him at solo second in the all-time list as Rondae Hollis-Jefferson captured the award for the second straight PBA Governors’ Cup edition on Sunday, November 3.
Hollis-Jefferson won convincingly, garnering 1,221 points to Brownlee’s 947 points after topping the statistical battle and guiding TNT to the finals, a run that saw the team win 15 of its 19 games from the eliminations to the semifinals.
“That’s a talented dude. He’s been playing incredible the whole conference. It’s well-deserved,” said Brownlee, who also lost the Best Import contest to Hollis-Jefferson in the Governors’ Cup last year.
“They’ve just been playing great the whole conference, from elimination to playoffs. He’s a huge reason why they’re in the finals. Congratulations to him.”
But Brownlee spoiled Hollis-Jefferson’s coronation, delivering his finest scoring performance of the finals to help the Gin Kings knot the best-of-seven series at 2-2 following a 106-92 victory in Game 4.
Held to an average of 20 points in the first three games, Brownlee exploded for 34 points on 11-of-16 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three-point land, as Ginebra shifted the momentum to its favor after losses in Games 1 and 2.
Brownlee also finished with 6 rebounds and 4 assists in another enthralling matchup with Hollis-Jefferson, who put up 28 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
“I give a lot of credit to my teammates. When I was open, they found me. When I wasn’t open, they set good screens to get me open,” said Brownlee.
“They’ve been playing me very tough and they’re taking away certain things, but I think this game, I just found… certain holes and certain ways where I can get my shot.”
With Brownlee and the Gin Kings relinquishing the Governors’ Cup crown to Hollis-Jefferson and TNT last year, Ginebra can inch closer to redemption as it shoots for the lead in Game 5 on Wednesday, November 6. – Rappler.com
