ANTIPOLO – Despite finally being reactivated, Paul Lee remains on minutes restriction for Magnolia.
The veteran guard was back in action on Sunday against guest team Eastern, suiting up for the first time after missing the team’s last three outings in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Lee ended up scoreless in 12 minutes of play on 0-for-2 shooting from the field as the Hotshots scored a runaway 107-78 win to stay alive in the race for a quarterfinals berth.
READ Magnolia Hotshots avoid elimination with blowout win over Eastern
Coach Chito Victolero said the Hotshots are still trying to break Lee back into Magnolia’s scheme of things heading to its all-important game against Meralco on Friday.
Lee is still recovering from a meniscus injury.
Prior to his reactivation, Victolero said the 35-year-old guard from Tondo, Manila only practiced for the team three times.
“He just practiced three times the last few days, so we tried to watch his minutes muna. Hindi pa puwede yung regular minutes niya, So ganun lang muna,” said the Magnolia coach.
But Victolero is pleased seeing one of the Hotshots’ most potent offensive weapons nearing full fitness.
“It’s a big help in terms of the direction and the composure of the team,” he said of Lee’s return.
“It’s not all about his scoring, but actually it’s how he handles the offensive and defensive scheme nung team inside the court.”
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