NOTHING WILL STOP ROS’ LEE-THAL WEAPON
Ever the warrior.
A front tooth might have gotten knocked out and two others might have been elbowed deeper into his gums, but Paul Lee sure proved that he’s one tough nut to crack.
On the receiving end of an Ivan Johnson ebow on a drive in the 5:07 mark of the third, the former Rookie of the Year was already advised by the doctors to go to the hospital immediately.
Lee, however, would have none of it.
“Balik ako,” he quipped, as he went out of their locker room door and back on the hardcourt before anybody could stop him.
Though many expected coach Yeng Guiao to sit out his star for the remainder of the game with Rain or Shine comfortably ahead, a late push from Talk ‘N Text would force Lee to ask his coach for one more crack at the game.
“Sinabi ko kay coach, babalik ako. Kailangan kong ipakita sa teammates ko na gusto kong manalo talaga,” he said.
And at the 4:15 mark of the fourth, he came back to the game and steered his crew to a 109-97 victory.
Lee would finish with 17 points, five assists and three rebounds in the win as the Elasto Painters took a 2-1 series lead in the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
“Syempre masarap na nanalo kami. Kahit anong mangyari sa akin, masaktan man, babalik ako. Gusto ko matapos yung championship talaga at manalo,” the top playmaker from Tondo said.
Though he took a trip to the hospital after the game, Lee assured the legions of Rain or Shine fans that he will be playing come Game 4.
“Oo naman. Lalaro pa rin ako kahit anong mangyari,” he said. “Kahit masaktan ako, babalik ako kasi gusto ko mag-champion.” (RL)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
