To be mentioned along with some of the greats made Justin Brownlee feel all the more honored after writing his name in the PBA’s history books anew.
On Sunday, the 34-year-old broke through the 5,000 points club after steering Ginebra on the verge of a PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals return following their 103-80 conquest of Magnolia in the semis Game Three, Sunday night.
He is the only fifth import in league history to amass that many points after Norman Black (11,329), the late Bobby Parks (8,995), Sean Chambers (8,225), and also the late Lew Massey (5,386), per league stats chief Fidel Mangonon III.
The last time a reinforcement achieved such a feat, if you wonder, was in 1995, with Chambers doing so while he was still with Alaska.
“It just really means I’ve been playing a long time here,” Brownlee offered shortly after the match at the Philsports Arena.
“Just enjoying it, you know. The five players, to be mentioned with those guys now, it’s definitely a great achievement for myself,” he added.
Brownlee actually reached the milestone just in the game’s first 24 minutes, already registering 5,001 to his name after scoring 20 points.
Thirteen of his points came in the second period, starring in his side’s breakaway that set the tone for the eventual double celebration.
“I came in wanting to be aggressive,” he said. “I definitely wanted to be efficient. I know turnovers have been hurting us. I don’t know how many I had — I think I’ve had a few. But yeah, I just try to be aggressive all around.
“Whether it was on defense, on offense. Teammates were finding me in open spots. I got the ball in great areas where I can attack. And yeah, man, just trying to be aggressive all around,” added the two-time Best Import.
The soon-to-be Filipino was just filled with so much gratitude especially to the rest of the Ginebra ball club for his historic night.
“To top it off with a win? It was a great win for us tonight and that’s just a testament to my teammates,” said Brownlee.
“Setting me up, giving me confidence. Coach Tim, they’re helping me throughout my career here.”
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The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
