By REYNALD MAGALLON
Barangay Ginebra is hoping for the best on the injury of Justin Brownlee, who failed to finish the Kings’ 85-87 loss to TNT in Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup after sustaining a dislocated finger.
The resident import was grimacing in pain as he held on to his hand after diving for the loose ball at the 6:32 mark of the third frame.
Brownlee went to the dugout for first aid but he never returned to the game after the doctors recommended that he should be brought to the hospital for further examination.
“We’re still hoping for the best. If it’s dislocated, then hopefully sana lang walang bali. But again, it’s hard to speculate now. Kasi wala pa talagang (update). Kakapunta pa lang sa kanya sa hospital,” said Kings deputy Richard del Rosario.
Del Rosario added he did not see how Brownlee sustained the injury but he is hopeful it was nothing serious especially with the short turnaround to the series with Games 4 and 5 set on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
“I think the doctor recommended bringing him (to the hospital). Kasi pinaka-crucial dyan yung first aid. Kung may ganung trauma, may injury, importante kung anong ginagawa mo sa umpisa,” said del Rosario.
“Para dapat maayos yung unang (response). So it was safer to bring him to the hospital,” he added.
Even without Brownlee, Ginebra remained very much in striking distance with Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos picking up the scoring cudgels.
The Kings, however, fell victim to a clutch triple from Rey Nambatac to put the Tropang Giga ahead for good, 85-82 with 30 seconds left.
“We’re still hoping that he can play. Warrior naman itong si Justin. Basta kaya niya. Kung konting sakit na niya, maglalaro yan. So we’re just waiting and hoping we get good news,” said Del Rosario.
