Magnolia Hotshots star Paul Lee assured that the hand injury he incurred in Game Three of the 2018 Philippine Cup Finals on Sunday night is nothing serious, saying that it won’t jeopardize his status in the best-of-seven series.
The seven-year veteran hurt a finger in his right hand with 9:01 remaining in their match against the San Miguel Beermen, after a jump ball situation. He was seen clutching his hand, prompting the coaches to sub him out.
“Na-jam siya. Pagsundot ko tumama sa tuhod ni Matt [Ganuelas-Rosser],” he described. “[Pero] Ready ako, ready ako. Wala naman ito, di naman gaanong [malala].
“Yun nga lang kailangang tiisin, pain reliever lang siguro.”
Lee then did not return, and finished the bout with 15 points and seven assists. It was an exit that badly hurt the Hotshots, as the Beermen led by as many as 24 and bagged the victory, 111-87, for a 2-1 lead.
The 29-year-old combo guard could not muster his thoughts when asked about Sunday night’s result, only conceding that the Beermen had only showed why they have been ruling the All-Filipino stage for three years now.
“Sa ngayon, ‘di ko masagot,” he said. “Expected naman namin yun, talagang malakas talaga ang San Miguel.”
But the only thing certain for Magnolia right now, according to Lee, is that Game Four on Wednesday, April 4, is already a do-or-die for them, as a loss will only send them closer from falling to the pit of misery and heartbreak.
“Mahirap mabaon sa 3-1 so big game sa amin sa next game.”
