PAUL Lee has no regrets taking the potential championship-winning three-point shot for Rain or Shine in the first overtime of Game Seven of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against Talk ‘N Text on Wednesday night.
Given some space, the Elasto Painters star took and missed a long three-point try instead of going for a higher-percentage drive with still three seconds to go in the first extra session.
Wayne Chism was also left open after the pick and roll.
“'Yun yung binigay sa akin ng depensa eh,” a teary-eyed Lee said after the game which Rain or Shine lost, 119-121, in the second overtime. “So I just read it lang. Sumablay.
“Hindi talaga para sa amin.”
[See Guiao says RoS feels like a winner after overcoming odds, 'bum calls' in tough Game Seven stand]
Lee had the green light to take that kind of shot after having a sizzling shooting night highlighted by seven three-pointers that laid the foundation for his career-high 38 points, on top of seven boards, and two steals in 47 minutes.
The loss is just the latest finals disappointment for Rain or Shine, which has now finished runner-up four times over the league's last eight conferences.
Still, Lee said he doesn't have any regrets.
“Binigay na namin lahat, (We just fell) short,” the banged-up Tondo native said. “Pero si coach Yeng (Guiao), proud pa rin sa amin. Kasi from the start of the series, yun lang naman hiningi niya sa amin eh — yung ibibgay lang yung best namin.”
The latest setback will only serve as added motivation, Lee said.
“I won’t stop,” Lee, adding the Painters will only have a four-day break before returning to practice. “I’ll keep working hard every morning hangga’t makuha yung goal namin lahat.”
“You’ll see what Paul’s going to bring next conference, because he’s mad right now,” said RoS import Wayne Chism, who formed a lethal one-two punch with Lee, tallying 34 points and 29 boards.