PASSI CITY – Paul Lee reigned supreme in the 2023 PBA All-Star 3-Point Shootout, Friday at the City of Passi Arena here.
The Magnolia star turned in easily one of the best showings of the contest among marksmen, firing 22 points in the opening round before exploding for 28 in the finale on the way to bagging the title and the P30,000 cash prize.
(C) PBA Images
“Nung Finals, inatras ko ng konti kasi unang round ang lalakas ng tira ko., Dun tayo sa komportable tayo,” said the ‘Lethal Weapon’ regarding his decision to adjust some racks in the championship round.
Lee beat out San Miguel Beer’s resident sniper Marcio Lassiter and Juami Tiongson of Terrafirma, who had 21 and 18, respectively.
Yet to win a title despite being touted as one of the league’s best shooters, Lassiter erupted for 28 in the opening round to book a Final ticket.
Right after that fiery performance, Tiongson shined bright as well by coming through with 26 markers on the way to completing the title picture.
But there’s no denying Lee, who wasted no time to show his championship foes that they would have their work cut out for them by drilling 28 points, setting a benchmark that proved too tall of a hurdle to overcome.
His victory marked the second straight time that a Hotshot won the 3-Point Shootout, with PJ Simon winning the 2019 edition in Calasiao.
Three of the last four from the storied franchise have ruled the said contest, with Allein Maliksi emerging as the champ back in 2017 in Quezon.
Proving as the streak-halter of sorts was former Purefoods icon James Yap when he won the shootout in 2018 in Batangas.
Also part of this year’s event were Roger Pogoy, Gian Mamuyac, Tyler Tio, Arvin Tolentino, Kevin Alas, Aaron Black, Jerrick Balanza, RK Ilagan, and Jeremiah Gray.
