Justin Brownlee is hoping to flip the script this time as Ginebra and TNT author another chapter to their rivalry in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
The traditional powerhouses will battle it out for gold for the third time since the 2023 Governors’ Cup, and there’s nothing he wants more than to witness his Barangay come out triumphant after being owned in the previous two.
“Hopefully, you know what they say, third time’s the charm,” he said shortly after their 126-99 Game 5 ouster of NorthPort in the semis, Friday night.
“They’ve been having our number. They’ve been playing well in the past two Finals, so hopefully we can just get in there, change some stuff around, and have a different outcome than the past two,” the three-time Best Import added.
The Tropang Giga have had Ginebra’s number in the past two Finals they’ve met, and both results have a common denominator: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
The former NBA veteran made his maiden PBA stint one to remember when he helped the flagship MVP Group franchise oust the Kings from their Governors’ Cup reign in 2023, finishing the crowd darlings in six games.
That triumph would usher in a new era in the same conference as TNT successfully defended its throne last November against the same foes.
Those results have led some fans and pundits alike to believe that Hollis-Jefferson serves as the kryptonite to the six-time league champion, thus his desire to have a totally different outcome in their upcoming rematch.
“I got a great deal of respect for him, with what he’s done in the past and what he’s been doing now with TNT. He’s been incredible for them,” JB said.
“Hopefully, it can change when we win this time,” he added. “But like I said, he’s a tough match-up for anybody in this league, and we’re gonna just try to do our best to try to contain him and just try to get wins, try to get into a rhythm.”
Brownlee believes that they’re coming in ready, with how solid Ginebra has grown chemistry-wise since the arrival of Troy Rosario and the welcome returns of young wingers Jamie Malonzo and Jeremiah Gray from injuries.
“We’ve been getting a lot better as a team. The chemistry has been getting better. Of course, with Jamie back, Jeremiah back, and Troy, we got him this conference, so hopefully that can be the edge,” he said.
“But we’re looking forward to it. I think we’re more ready than ever,” added the 36-year-old. “Hopefully, everything can just come together.”
