ANTIPOLO – Paul Lee finally won a PBA title in a different uniform when Magnolia captured the Governors’ Cup crown on Wednesday at the Ynares Center.
Lee captured his first crown as a member of the Purefoods franchise after the Hotshots Pambansang Manok beat Alaska, 102-86, in Game Six of the Governors’ Cup finals. In 2016,
Lee admitted that trade will be measured by titles won after Yap won seven crowns as a member of the Purefoods franchise.
“Siyempre, mabigat ‘yun. Lahat ng tao, ‘yun ang tinitignan,” Lee said. “Simula nung na-trade ako kapalit ni Kuya James, ‘yun ang tinitignan ng mga tao kung makakapag-champion ako sa franchise ng Purefoods at Magnolia. At least, nagawa namin. Lahat naman ‘yun, tulong tulong talaga kami.”
In Game Six, Lee had 16 points including seven in the first half as the Hotshots pulled off the victory to win the series, 4-2.
Lee said there was a sense of urgency within the Magnolia camp to finish the series, knowing how capable Alaska can win the final two games of the finals.
“We treat this game as a do-or-die game. ‘Yun ang napagkasunduan ng buong team. Ang maganda is nag-respond kami ng maayos. Kahit na nagkakaroon sila ng run, ‘yung composure namin, nandoon pa rin,” said Lee.
The title victory capped off a 2018 full of blessings for Lee, who also won his first-ever Best Player of the Conference plum.
“Wala nang iba pang hihilingin. Start ng year, nalaman ko na wife ko pregnant, lumabas ‘yung baby ko, nagkaroon ako ng BPC, nanalo ako ng championship. Napakagandang taon para sa akin na sobrang na-blessed ako ngayong taon na ‘to. Very happy,” said Lee.
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