ONE STEP CLOSER: Brownlee carries Ginebra past TNT in OT to grab 3–2 Finals lead

A Herculean effort from Justin Brownlee proved to be Ginebra’s lifeline in Game 5.

In a pivotal Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner Finals, Brownlee unleashed a masterful performance to power Barangay Ginebra past the gritty TNT Tropang 5G, 100–95, in overtime and seize a crucial 3-2 series lead, moving closer to completing their redemption bid at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, June 12.

Taking the strides, the 6-foot-6 Ginebra import erupted for a career-high 54 points along with 14 boards, five dimes, and a steal, while tying the highest scoring output in a PBA Finals stage in 32 years, replicating Tony Harris’ 54-point explosion in 1994.

The veteran import also shared his thoughts on their Game 5 win and his monstrous offensive performance.“

I always try to remain aggressive and I think there is definitely a balance. Sometimes you know I try to get guys in rhythm and get them involved,” said Brownlee.

“There are sometimes where you need to be the kind of guy who tries to take over the game or just be aggressive,” he added.

After trailing in the first half, Brownlee played like a man possessed, taking matters into his own hands when it mattered most as the Gin Kings pushed hard to turn the tables around and forced overtime.

Meanwhile, local reinforcements RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario made key plays in overtime, including a three-point play and a crucial Abbarientos-to-Rosario pick-and-roll connection that stretched Ginebra’s lead to 98-94.

Adding fuel to the fire, TNT reinforcement Chris McCullough squandered key opportunities after missing multiple free throws, which could have swung the momentum back in their favor before being called for an offensive foul against Brownlee in the payoff period.

TNT locals RR Pogoy and Jordan Heading struggled to fire from all cylinders in the waning moments of the tiff.

Abbarientos then calmly sank two freebies following Scottie Thompson’s ever-reliable hustle antics.

With momentum firmly in their camp, Ginebra will strive to close the series on Sunday, while TNT will look forward to forcing a winner-take-all Game 7 on Wednesday.