By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is only a win away from booking another PBA Finals ticket after decimating the Magnolia Chicken Timplados, 103-80, during the semifinals of the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup last December 18, 2022.
Soon-to-be Gilas Pilipinas’ naturalized player Justin Brownlee pulled off another majestic performance and finished the night with 38 big points which helped Ginebra grab the 2-1 series lead.
From the get-go, it was all Ginebra that dictated the tempo as the Chicken Timplados looked flat without their main gunner Paul Lee who missed almost the entire game due to flu-like symptoms.
Lee, who sank the buzzer-beating game-winner that helped Magnolia equalize the series, only logged two minutes in Game 3 and never came back after sitting on the bench after a substitution.
“I think Paul Lee’s absence took the wind out of their sails. It’s hard to make in-game adjustments like that when you lose your star players. And he really has been the star,” said Ginebra chief tactician Tim Cone.
The Gin Kings then capitalized on Lee’s absence and pounced on Magnolia in the second quarter after a Brownlee offensive clinic.
Aside from Brownlee’s prowess, Ginebra’s balanced offensive attack torched Magnolia and became the deciding factor in the second half.
Floor general and veteran leader LA Tenorio had another solid performance and delivered 20 big points for Ginebra built from four shots from downtown.
Reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Scottie Thompson continued his steady and efficient all-around game after tallying 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and a steal.
Meanwhile, it was Jio Jalalon who only had a consistent performance from the Chicken Timplados with a 16-point performance.
Magnolia will look to avoid elimination and force a do-or-die Game 5 as they meet with the Gin Kings again tomorrow for Game 4 of the Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.
