JUSTIN Brownlee said he was surprised that Barangay Ginebra was able to sweep Meralco in the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.
Brownlee averaged 30.3 points for the Gin Kings on their way to a 3-0 win over Meralco, something that he didn’t expect considering how tough the Bolts have been throughout the years.
READ: Barangay Ginebra finds plenty of heroes late as it sweeps Meralco
“I can’t believe it to be honest,” said Brownlee. “That’s a really good team. They are coming off a championship in the all-Filipino cup and they have, in my opinion, probably have been playing the best. I know they took some losses but they are really good in the eliminations.
“We were very fortunate to be able to catch them. But I’m really surprised. I know Coach Tim said the same thing but it was a really good team. We are just happy but not satisfied yet in moving in the next round.”
Brownlee also paid tribute to his counterpart and longtime rival Allen Durham, who averaged 31.3 points and 13.3 rebounds during the series.
“His game is cool. Definitely, Allen has been tough. I’ve been saying this for years. It’s been a nightmare of a matchup, probably for anybody in this conference. But he did what he do, rebound the basketball, score, gave us trouble in the past three games," said Brownlee, of his fellow 36-year-old Durham.
"Sometimes, I’m speechless with the way he works and his effort for his team. I give him a lot of credit. He did do a lot for that team and everytime he is here, they always do good things, and that’s great. Give him a lot of credit,”
Brownlee once again became a stumbling block to Durham’s quest for a PBA title after Barangay Ginebra beat Meralco in three occasions in the Governors’ Cup finals. But despite the latest Meralco defeat, Brownlee sees Durham, a Japan B.League champion, winning the PBA chip eventually.
READ: No thanks to Brownlee, PBA title window slowly closing for Durham
“I can’t say I feel bad because we are competitors and that comes with the game. But I would say his efforts definitely isn’t a losing effort. If he keeps continuing what he is doing, I think at some point, he is going to break through and be successful in this league and win a championship,” Brownlee said.
“Hopefully, it’s not against Ginebra,” Brownlee added with a smile. “But I think eventually, if he keeps playing the way he is playing, and keep what he is doing, he is going to continue to have success… He’s been there and he knows what it takes. Obviously, he’s got the talent and the skills.”
The Barangay Ginebra import expects Durham to return to Meralco in the future.
“I don’t see why not. He’s been dominant. Even (in Game Three), in the series, and this whole elimination round. He has been Allen Durham. I can see him coming back. I’m sure Meralco or any team in the PBA would love to have him," he shared.
"But I definitely can see him coming back. Me and him are getting a little older but he is showcasing what he can still do."
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