Perfect timing. Perfect comeback.
That’s how Rain or Shine’s ace guard Paul Lee described his journey to finally winning his first ‘official’ championship as a pro after the Elasto Painters downed the Alaska Aces to capture the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup last Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The injuries and setbacks in four finals stints made Lee so determined to end a string of heartaches as he gave everything he got to help RoS win its second title in franchise history.
“Lahat lumabas… last part ng semifinals and then finals,” said the Lee of his breathtaking performance in the playoffs – particularly in the best-of-seven finals against Alaska.
“Perfect timing lang, and perfect comeback… Masayang masaya syempre,” added Lee, who scored 15 of his 20 points in a pivotal run in the second period as RoS held on to beat Alaska in Game 6, 109-92.
Known by his monikers “LEEthal Weapon” and “Angas ng Tondo”, being a native of Tondo, Manila and a household name in several streetball leagues including one in Barrio Obrero’s BOYAA court, Lee’s efforts were rewarded.
The PBA Press Corps unanimously named the 6-foot-1 Lee the CIGNAL Finals Most Valuable Player after averaging nearly 16 points, 3 rebounds and 2.17 assists in the titular showdown.
Lee said regaining his old deadly form was a long and sometimes frustrating process, as a left knee injury forced him to miss several games and had to work his way back to the guard-heavy rotation of Rain or Shine.