Justin Brownlee vs RHJ Round 3

Justin Brownlee goes up against Rondae Hollis Jefferson during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Is it safe to call it a rivalry now?

For the third time since both their arrivals in the PBA, Ginebra resident reinforcer Justin Brownlee and TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson will go on a best-of-seven Finals series for a championship.

Their first two meetings in the Finals were for the Governors’ Cup with the Tropang Giga going two-for-two against the Gin Kings.

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The third time will be different as this time, both teams will be duking it out for the Commissioner’s Cup crown.

Whichever way you look at it, though, Brownlee knows it will take a gargantuan effort to stop Hollis-Jefferson.

“I have a great deal of respect for him, what he’s been doing in the past and what he’s doing now with TNT. He’s been incredible for them,” said the six-time PBA champion import after defeating Rain or Shine in the semifinals, 4-1, at Araneta Coliseum on Friday.

“He’s a tough match-up for anybody in this league and we’ll try to do our best to contain him.”

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If Friday was any indicator, Hollis-Jefferson will not be slowing down anytime soon in TNT’s upcoming rematch with Ginebra in the Finals.

The two-time Best Import awardee headlined the Tropang Giga’s 97-92 win over Rain or Shine in Game 5 of the semis with a monster game to the tune of 42 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three blocks to guide the squad to the Finals for the second straight conference.

That sight alone gave Brownlee everything he needed to expect in their third go-around. The Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player, though, was unfazed. He was even “excited,” to renew their rivalry.

“Tough matchup, tough competitor but I’m excited to go against him again.”

Brownlee, meanwhile, recorded a double-double of his own in the Gin Kings’ Finals-clinching win over the Batang Pier with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

The two star imports will go head-to-head once more on Friday for Game 1 of the Commissioner’s Cup Finals at Mall of Asia Arena at 7:30 pm.