OUT OF THE GAME. Justin Brownlee leaves the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City during Game 5 of the PBA Governors' Cup Finals on April 19, 2023 as he suffers from food poisoning. He was discharged from the hospital Thursday. (Photo courtesy of PBA Images)
MANILA – Justin Brownlee's health status is the main storyline for Game 6 of the PBA Governors' Cup Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Friday night.
Brownlee was taken to the hospital late in the third quarter of Game 5 after he felt the effects of food poisoning.
"It was really severe food poisoning," Ginebra coach Tim Cone said, disclosing that his team's resident import was already experiencing gastrointestinal problems hours before the game.
Brownlee was even seen throwing up on the court while the game was ongoing before the team sought medical help in the hospital.
An insider from the Gin Kings' camp told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that it had something to do with a meal Brownlee ate on Tuesday.
With Brownlee out for the remainder of the game, TNT clawed back and took a 104-95 win to go 3-2 up in the best-of-seven series.
The Tropang Giga can officially eliminate the Gin Kings and clinch their ninth PBA title with a Game 6 win, but coach Jojo Lastimosa is wary that Brownlee might do a revenge game reminiscent of Michael Jordan's "flu game" in the 1997 NBA Finals to send the series to a rubber match on Sunday night.
"He's a warrior. We're counting on everyone to be present on Friday," Lastimosa said.
Brownlee was discharged from the hospital on Thursday night.
But with barely 45-and-a-half hours separating Games 5 and 6, scheduled for a 5:45 p.m. tip-off on Friday, whether Brownlee shows up 100 percent or not is up in the air.
"Hopefully, within 48 hours, he can get back and get ready to play," Cone said. (PNA)
