MANILA, Philippines – Paul Lee had two consecutive scoring explosions. Unfortunately for Rain or Shine, they lost on both occasions.
Lee, who is a man on a mission after missing a big chunk of Rain or Shine’s first two Finals trip with different injuries, have been lethal in this series. He fired 23 points in a one-point loss in Game Three then exploded for 28 points in Game Four but missed a potential game-tying triple at the buzzer.
For the Rain or Shine top playmaker, he would rather trade those big scoring games for a shot at popping champagnes.
“Maganda yung laro pero hindi naman nananalo so useless,†a visibly disappointed Lee rued after the heartbreaking 93-90 loss last Friday night.
“Akala ko papasok na yung last shot ko eh. Diretso kasi nung binitawan ko. Pero nung nakita kong tumama sa bakal at umalog sa ring, ayun na. Nawalan na ako ng pag-asa,†said Lee of his attempt to send the game into overtime.
But the former Rookie of the Year is not about to lose hope on the series.
“Siyempre down na down yung team, yung morale namin. Sa mga sinabi ni coach Yeng, lalaban pa rin kami,†Lee said.
Guiao is one of the best motivational coaches in the league. He has squeezed out the best from the unheralded players at his disposal. And Lee, being one of the team’s leaders, wants to prove that their coach is right in giving them a vote of confidence despite losing the last three games.
“Kasi kung pupunta ka sa next game na ida-down mo sarili mo, walang mangyayari,†Lee explained.
And with their backs against the wall, their instinct is to fight back and climb out from the 1-3 hole.
“Maglalaro na lang kami with “nothing-to-lose†attitude,†Lee said.