ANTIPOLO – Years after his indoctrination to Barangay Ginebra’s classic mantra, Justin Brownlee authored his very own never-say-die moment Friday.
The three-time PBA Best Import exemplified the very spirit that endeared the Kings to legions of fans when he powered through a hand injury and helped his side level the playing field against TNT in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
A game-time decision, ‘JB’ was part of the starting unit and went on to finish with 23 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks in 45 minutes of action, playing his usual despite a taped hand to keep his thumb intact.
“I wanted to be aggressive,” he said moments after their 95-78 victory at the Ynares Center here.
“I wanted to continue trying to play like I’ve been playing. I definitely had doubts about the tape. It’s a different feeling.
“Yesterday and before the game, today, I got a good feel for it. I think I got the hang of it. I don’t want to jinx myself, but I kind of got a good feel for it now,” he added.
Inevitably, fans were quick to bring up NSD when Brownlee pulled off the heroic act of competing despite the pain. He sustained the injury in Game 3 last Wednesday when his hand slammed onto the Philsports Arena flooring.
The naturalized Filipino, of course, is glad to have shown that spirit, which he first learned about from Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand.
Brownlee first came into the PBA in 2016 and it was during their Governors’ Cup best-of-7 Finals duel versus eventual rivals Meralco where he witnessed the ‘Fast and Furious’ duo display that mantra on the hardwood.
#WATCH: Justin Brownlee is suited up and getting shots up! Game time is near—will we see him on the court? 🏀
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times#PBA2025 pic.twitter.com/PkL31l4hJU
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 21, 2025
“I got to understand the never-say-die mentality through Jayjay and Mark. My first stint here in 2016, it was a moment in the Finals, we were playing Meralco,” recalled the St. John’s product, who was brought in for the injured Paul Harris.
That match in particular was Game Four, where Ginebra squandered a 16-point lead but still managed to escape with the 88-86 decision thanks to the two.
Helterbrand and Caguioa conspired to save the Barangay in the fourth quarter, with the former scoring all 11 of his points in that period and the latter delivering more on the defensive end that saw him haul down crucial rebounds.
“Mark and Jayjay got on the floor and just brought us back in a brilliant, brilliant performance by the two of them,” remembered head coach Tim Cone. “And they weren’t playing that much at that time, they were coming off the bench.
“I’ve always battled against the Ginebra never-say-die but that was the first time I really felt it down to my core, that never-say-die. So I agree. Mark and Jayjay, they taught us what it’s all about,” added the champion mentor.
Brownlee only had 10 points in that game as the PBA MVPs wielded their magic, although he’d write his name in franchise lore later on in the series.
About nine years later, he’s already built a Hall of Fame-worthy career with the Kings, and the bravery he showed Friday only adds to his legend.
“Just a lot of ice and, yeah, just trying to mentally prepare myself,” Brownlee said. “You know, just try to go through the game and luckily had the support from the team, the whole coaching staff and everybody.
“So I just wanted to go out there and just be there for the team and just try to get a win.”
#WATCH: Tim Cone couldn’t help but be in awe of Justin Brownlee’s toughness, playing through pain in the ongoing #PBA2025 Finals 🏀
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/QN8dRSHojx
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 21, 2025
