ANTIPOLO – Justin Brownlee said there was little doubt in his mind that he was going to play in Game 4 on Friday.
This, after the resident import got a lot of help from the Barangay Ginebra training staff just so there was chance for him to play despite dislocating his right thumb.
“It’s been a little tough. But the guys on the staff, they did a really good job as far as just keeping the thumb stable. So just a lot of ice, and just trying to mentally prepare myself. Just try to go through the game," said Brownlee.
“Luckily, I had the support from the team, our whole coaching staff, and everybody. I just wanted to go out there and just be there for the team and just try to get a win.”
READ: Ginebra seizes control in Game 4 as Brownlee plays through injury
Brownlee had 23 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks in the Gin Kings' 95-78 win over TNT to even the series at 2-2 despite an injured finger.
Brownlee said the training staff, led by physical therapist RC Cua, did an excellent job on his finger that he thought about giving Game 4 a go in the face of his situation that would most likely require surgery after the finals is over.
“As soon as they got the thumb stable, I knew I can play. The only doubt I had was just if the thumb keep falling out of place and it’s not stable. Like I said, the staff, they did a great job of keeping it stable,” said Brownlee.
After that, Brownlee was locked in, and later showed up during the pregame warmups to the delight of the early birds at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“Coming out, I had my headphones on, so I couldn’t really hear the crowd too much, but I definitely heard them. The fans for Ginebra (are) like no other. They are always here to support, give us great energy. When I came out, I heard the crowd, it was just a feeling of comfort, and became more energetic from the crowd,” said Brownlee.
Just like the Justin of old
After deciding to play, Brownlee said his mindset was to play like he always did, unbothered by the tape that was used to keep his right thumb intact.
“I want to be aggressive. I want to continue trying to play like I've been playing. I definitely had doubt as far as the tape, it’s a different feel. Yesterday and before the game today, I got a good feel for it. So I think I got the hang of it,” said Brownlee.
Now that he has played after sustaining a dislocated finger, Brownlee said he intends to play in Game 5 and beyond.
“I don’t want to jinx myself, but I kind of got a good feel for it now,” Brownlee said.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
