Pivotal Game 5 at Big Dome

MANILA, Philippines — For Barangay Ginebra, the challenge is to keep Justin Brownlee in “playing condition” despite his dislocated right thumb. For TNT, it’s all about showing character after a bad setback.

With lots of emotion and pride, the rivals go at it again and break their deadlock in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals in tonight’s Game 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Gin Kings brought the Last Dance back to square one with a 95-78 romp last Friday in Antipolo. It was the most lopsided win in the best-of-seven series and the troops of Tim Cone did it with Brownlee playing through a dislocated thumb held in place only by tape.

“I wanted to be aggressive and continue trying to play like I’ve been playing,” said Brownlee, who produced 23 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in 45 minutes, on his mindset.

“I definitely had doubts as far as the tape. You know, it’s a different feeling but during practice last Thursday and then before the game Friday, I got a good feel for it and I think I got the hang of it. I don’t want to jinx myself but I kind of got a good feel for it now.”

Brownlee and coach Tim Cone gave props to the team’s medical and conditioning group led by physical therapist Arcee Cua and nurse Nards Hugo for making possible the quick return of JB without having the thumb fixed surgically yet.

Had Brownlee been unable to come back from the injury he sustained in the third quarter of their 87-85 loss in Game 3, Cone said Plan B was to tap Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Ange Kouame in his place. The team also explored getting Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, brother of Tropang Giga reinforcement Rondae.

“But Justin said, ‘I think I can play,’” related Cone.

The stinging loss in Game 4 would have dealt a major blow on any other team but RHJ and the rest of TNT are made of sterner stuff.