By REYNALD MAGALLON
Paul Lee joined a distinguished group of shooters after drilling his 1000th career triple in Magnolia’s out of town 108-102 victory over Rain or Shine at the Tiaong Convention Center on Saturday, April 20.
The Hotshots gunslinger became only the 10th player in league history to achieve the career milestone and the fifth fastest to do so according to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III.
He joined an elite list headed by Jimmy Alapag, who holds the record of most three-pointers in league history with 1,250 followed by Allan Caidic who had 1,242.
Lee is also the fourth active player in the list alongside Barangay Ginebra’s LA Tenorio, Blackwater’s James Yap and San Miguel’s Marcio Lassiter – all of which are already sitting at the Top 5 of the list.
“Just happy. It’s a milestone for me and I must say it’s pure hard work. A lot of work na ginawa ko just to reach that milestone,” said Lee who also joined Al Solis, Arwind Santos, Dondon Hontiveros and Ronnie Magsanoc in the elite group.
“I’m just grateful and thankful maging part ng elite na club na iyon. Dadalhin ko siya habang buhay and again it’s just pure hard work. Nagsimula naman iyon lahat sa practice lumabas lang siya,” he added.
Lee was even in the middle of a shooting slump when he reached the mark, shooting a 6-of-23 clip before the game. It was pretty much the same in the contest when he had a measly 1-of-6 shooting from deep.
The timing of the long bomb, however, was the more crucial one for Lee and the Hotshots as he drained the triple at the 7:44 mark of the final frame, triggering a telling 11-0 run that allowed Magnolia to create the much-needed separation.
“At the end of the day. I just took the open shot and it helps din na pamatay sunog yung situation. Nag rally na yung Rain or Shine so it’s just the perfect moment,” said Lee.
The milestone fittingly solidified Lee’s status as one of the league’s premier shooters especially that he also has a three-point shooting crown tucked under his belt.
