Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Justin Brownlee during a game vs Phoenix Fuel Masters within the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra barely broke a sweat en path to its PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals win over Phoenix, 112-81, at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo on Friday.
The Gin Kings turned to Justin Brownlee anew and the longtime import finished with 24 points, five rebounds and five assists to assist boot the Fuel Masters out of the playoffs.
But for coach Tim Cone, it was Ginebra’s locals who truly secured the team’s semifinal berth.
“I just thought we executed at a high level even when Justin left the ground [at times],” he said. “We generated loads of open looks, the ball moved and defensively, I felt we gave up loads of layups but within the second quarter, we cleaned that up.”
Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ RJ Abarrientos during a game vs Phoenix Fuel Masters within the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals. –PBA IMAGES
True to Cone’s words, Scottie Thompson did a little bit little bit of every thing within the Gin Kings’ win with a near triple-double of 16 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. RJ Abarrientos also had 16 while Stephen Holt scored 11.
“I feel, for us it’s a complete team effort,” said Thompson. “There’s still rather a lot more to enhance on. Our coaches, though, prepared us well.”
Phoenix barely threatened within the lopsided defeat, with Ricci Rivero leading the team with 15 points. Import Johnathan Williams III, meanwhile, registered a double-double of 13 points.
Up next for the Gin Kings within the semifinals is Rain or Shine, which earlier defeated San Miguel Beer, 113-104.
Within the elimination round, Ginebra routed the Elasto Painters, 114-90.