The hunter Paul Lee became the hunted.
In the Star Hotshots-Barangay Ginebra San Miguel semifinal series in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup, the 6-foot-1 mercenary became the talk of the town early in the best-of-seven series, becoming Star’s hero and Ginebra’s primary antagonist all at the same time.
Lee lived up to his “Lethal Weapon” monicker in the series’ first two games, scoring 18 points capped by a game-winner in Game 1. And in the next game, he proved to be clutch once more and finished with 18 markers. Both games equated to a Hotshots W.
Star wouldn’t lead the Barangay 2-0 in the series if it weren’t for Lee’s heroics during crunchtime. But come the following games, the five-year gunslinger’s shining star dimmed night after night — much to the dissatisfaction of the Purefoods faithful.
In Games 3 and 4, Lee only finished with a total of 16 points by going 7-of-27 from the floor, along with eight miscues. He reached double-digit scoring in Game 5, scoring 10 markers, but his numbers dropped once more as he only finished with eight points in Game 6.
And in Tuesday night’s Game 7 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Lee had the worst game of his career in the worst time possible, finishing with just four points as he only took eight shots and made just two of them in all the 36 minutes he was fielded on the court.
From averaging 17.5 points in the first two outings to just putting out a measly 7.4 markers is truly a massive drop in numbers, especially at Lee’s caliber. And for him, the culprit of his lowly performances is nothing but the stifling Ginebra defense all over him.
“Parang ‘di ko alam gagawin ko eh. Para akong pusa na na-corner sa gilid,” described the 28-year-old with regards to his lethargic production. “Talagang lahat ng papasukin ko nakaabang sila lahat.
“After first two games, talagang humirap yung basketball para sa’kin.
“Pinaghandaan din ako ni Coach Tim [Cone]. ‘Di ako naka-counter sa ginawa sa’kin. Nawala ako sa game [ko],” furthered the 2011 Rookie of the Year.
It was indeed a sour semis stint for the Tondo-bred combo guard — a stint that him and the Hotshots would never want to look back into. But for Lee, positives were still seen from the team especially with the wsy they faired all throughout the All-Filipino conference.
“Meron naman positive. Kahit bago team namin, nakarating kami dito [sa semis]. Still happy pa rin.
“Lalaban din talaga kami hangga’t kaya pa. Yan mga positive na nakita ko,” shared the 2016 Commissiober’s Cup Finals MVP.
