MANILA – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings import Justin Brownlee is uncertain to play in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against TNT Tropang Giga today at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Gin Kings head coach Tim Cone stated that although Brownlee has not been definitively ruled out for the match, the likelihood of his participation is minimal due to a dislocated right thumb injury.
“Justin is doubtful to play (in Game 4 of the PBA Finals), but he hasn’t been ruled completely out yet,” Cone said in a text message to Panay News on Thursday afternoon.
Brownlee exited during the third quarter of their 87-85 defeat in Game 3 against the Tropang Giga on Wednesday after dislocating his right thumb while attempting to secure a loose ball.
Following his departure to the dugout for medical attention, Brownlee was subsequently transported to the nearest hospital.
Gin Kings assistant coach Richard del Rosario, meanwhile, said he remain optimistic about Brownlee’s potential return for the upcoming matches in the best-of-seven series.
“We are still hoping for the best, if it is dislocated, we are hoping na sana walang bali,” Del Rosario said. “Again, it is hard to speculate naman kasi kakapunta pa lang sa hospital. We are hoping that he can still play, warrior naman itong si Justin eh.”
Del Rosario, however, said that the coaches are still proud of the fight put up by the Gin Kings in the second half, even if they committed costly turnovers in the endgame that prevented them from stunning the Tropang Giga.
“Even if Justin is out in the second half, we are still in the game. It is not an excuse na wala si Justin because this is a championship series,” Del Rosario said./PN
