JUSTIN Brownlee fearlessly showing up ready to play for Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals despite a dislocated thumb was enough motivation to get the entire Barangay Ginebra team going.
Most especially for the erstwhile struggling Jamie Malonzo.
In his best game yet against TNT in the best-of-seven title series, Malonzo helped ease the offensive load on the injured Brownlee by leading the Kings in scoring for a 95-78 win Friday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
READ: Heroic Brownlee performance inspires Ginebra to finals-tying win
The Fil-Am hit 6-of-8 from three-point range to finish with a game-high 24 points, while adding four rebounds, an assist and a block shot in his 32-minute stint on the floor.
He exploded for 10 points in the final quarter to put the Tropang Giga away for good as he picked up from where Brownlee left off after a fiery first half.
Malonzo said Brownlee suiting up and playing through the pain of an aching hand inspired him and the rest of the Kings to win the game.
“He’s playing through a lot of injuries. He’s given us his all, so of course, it’s on us to help Justin as much as possible,” said the former no. 2 overall draft pick.
“I think all of us, we’re trying to help Justin. Just anything we can do to help him.”
Previous to his Game 4 explosion, Malonzo just averaged 9.2 points and 3.0 rebounds in the first three games of the series.
But Malonzo said it was a collective effort for the Kings in winning the game, noting how other Ginebra players contributed to the cause such as Japeth Aguilar, who came through with 18 points and eight rebounds, and sophomore Stephen Holt with 12 and five boards.
“The team understood that it’s a crucial game in the series and it’s very important for us to get a win. So I think our team really had the focus, and luckily we got a few shots (tonight),” he said.
Malonzo acknowledged though, the magnitude of Brownlee’s presence as he contributed all-around efforts of 23 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists.
“It’s really important for him to be with us at this point of the season. So JB playing (in Game 4) was very important.”
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