In the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), few players have achieved the level of dominance that Justin Brownlee has displayed throughout his career. On Wednesday, October 9, Brownlee once again showcased why he is considered one of the greatest players in PBA history.
His standout performance led Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to a commanding 122-105 victory over the San Miguel Beermen in Game 1 of the semifinals of the ongoing Season 49 Governor’s Cup.
Held at the PhilSports Arena, the game featured a new and exciting dimension to the league— the introduction of the four point shot rule. Brownlee, always one to adapt and evolve with the game, wasted no time in using the new rule to his advantage.
He finished the game with 33 points, but what truly stood out was his ability to make the most of the four-point shot, sinking five quadruples. His shooting display, especially in the third quarter where he drained three four-pointers, shifted the momentum firmly in Barangay Ginebra’s favor and helped them secure a crucial Game 1 victory in the best-of-seven semifinal series.
Justin Brownlee had 33 points and made 5-of-6 4-pointers and 3-of-5 treys in Game 1 of Barangay Ginebra’s semis affair against San Miguel.
— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) October 9, 2024
Ginebra drew first blood, 122-105 @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/gNwwNmgzVh
Brownlee's sharp shooting from long distance played a critical role in the team's triumph. As a player known for his versatility and scoring prowess, Brownlee adapted quickly to the four-point rule that the PBA introduced for the first time.
His five four-point shots sent a clear message to San Miguel that they had to defend him not just beyond the three-point line but even farther. This additional threat created more space for Ginebra’s offense to operate and made it extremely difficult for the Beermen to keep up defensively.
"We understand that San Miguel’s a very tough team. They have been winning championships for years and we understand that," Brownlee acknowledged after the game. "San Miguel always comes out ready to play, and they always have a game plan, but for some reason, I found myself open a few times from deep, so I just tried to shoot them and be aggressive."
Brownlee’s ability to recognize and exploit defensive lapses with his long-range shooting was evident throughout the contest. His confidence in taking the four-point shots also speaks to how quickly he and his team have embraced the new rule, integrating it into their game plan.
"Since the four-point line’s been introduced in the PBA, it’s something that teams in this league have taken advantage of. Me, myself, and us at Ginebra, we practice those shots. So we are just trying to get better and better and be more comfortable taking them during the game," Brownlee added.
Brownlee’s contribution extended beyond his points from long-range shooting. His all-around game also included three three-pointers, showcasing his efficiency from beyond the arc. For Barangay Ginebra, who came into the semifinals well-rested after sweeping Meralco Bolts in the quarterfinals, Brownlee’s stellar performance in Game 1 set the tone for the rest of the series.
Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, who has long been one of the most successful coaches in PBA history, expressed mixed feelings about the newly implemented four point shot. While he acknowledged the benefit that it provides to his team, particularly with a sharpshooter like Brownlee on the roster, Cone was candid in saying that he’s not entirely on board with the rule.
“When Justin practices the two-point shot, he’s like, ‘ehhh.’ When he practices threes, he gets a little bit excited. But when he practices fours, grabe! This guy likes bang, bang, bang, bang, bang! He really loves that four-point shot,” Cone said with a chuckle after the game.
However, Cone added, “Just because it favors our team with Justin, that doesn’t mean I’m now a fan of the four-point shot. I just believe that the game has evolved into shooting—taking quick shots, taking four-pointers. If you watch practices, all they do is shoot threes and shoot fours, and I think the game is a lot more than that.”
Despite his reservations about the four-point rule, Cone understands the importance of adapting to the evolving nature of basketball. His comments highlight a broader discussion within the basketball community about the growing emphasis on perimeter shooting and whether the focus on long-range shots takes away from other aspects of the game, such as post play, defense, and mid-range shooting.
With a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, Barangay Ginebra has all the momentum heading into Game 2, which is scheduled for Friday, October 11. Brownlee’s exceptional performance in Game 1 has put the pressure on the San Miguel Beermen to make adjustments, particularly on the defensive end.
The Beermen, a team with a rich championship pedigree, will undoubtedly be looking for ways to slow down Brownlee and limit Ginebra’s opportunities from the four-point line.
However, the introduction of the four-point rule adds a new layer of strategy to the series. Teams are now required to defend farther from the basket, which opens up driving lanes and creates opportunities for other players to score. Ginebra has already shown that they are capable of taking full advantage of this new dynamic, and San Miguel will need to rise to the challenge if they hope to even the series.
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