MANILA, Philippines — Seeing Justin Brownlee explode for 15 points right in the opening quarter of Game 4 happened by design, according to Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
Cone explained that the 6-foot-4 Brownlee was "bothered" by his shooting struggles during the first three games of the PBA Governors' Cup Finals.
That's why he was no longer surprised to see the resident Ginebra import get off to a hot shooting start on Sunday.
"Justin's always usually a very good starter, especially in big games. He knows how important he is to set the tempo and give confidence for his teammates," Cone told media men, shortly after Ginebra routed TNT, 106-94 for its second straight win in the Finals, reducing the title series to a best-of-three affair in the process.
"He knows when we get the lead, it gives them (Ginebra players) the confidence, and the last few games he hasn't had a good start. I know it's bothering him, but we ran some sets for him outside the triangle early to try to to get, him a little bit," explained the PBA's all-time winningest coach.
Cone added that Brownlee is that type of player, who doesn't force the issue, knowing full well he works within the team concept.
"He basically does it on the zone, and that's the beauty about it. He does it through the offense, not just do it through one-on-one, (but he) does it through the offensive process," he explained.
Brownlee, who before the start of Game 4, lost the Best Import award to TNT's Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, finished with 34 points, six rebounds and four assists, while shooting an efficient 11-of-16 from the floor.
The former St. John's standout also went 3-of-4 from downtown, while making two four-point shots as well.
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