Nothing can dampen Lee's confidence.
Paul Lee needed only a fraction of space to launch the biggest shot in Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots’ 82-78 win over Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals Friday.
And when he had that space even from 35 feet, Lee drilled the booming trey that shut the door on the Fuel Masters with 55.4 ticks remaining, as the Hotshots took a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.
Lee has never been shy to take matters into his own hands under the bright lights. That’s why even though he was 1-of-8 before that moment, his confidence had never waned.
“Only open shot na nagkaroon ako and 'yun lang 'yung opportunity ko na na-open ako buong game. I think the whole game, 'yung defense nila sa akin, naka-front lang, pinapabayaan lang nila maglaro, mag 4-on-4 lang sila,” said Lee, who finished with six points and three rebounds.
“Tinake advantage ko lang. Wala na rin namang oras, kailangan ko na rin talaga itira. Luckily, pumasok.”
Magnolia coach Chito Victolero shared the same sentiment.
“I know Paul for eight years now. I know he can hit any shot,” Victolero said of his prized gunner.
“Ine-ensayo ni Paul 'yan. Every single day he’s in the gym to practice that shot from 35 feet.”
The 34-year-old shooter always sees to it that he repays that trust the way he has done all these years.
“Shooter mentality lang. Kung malas ka, kung sablay 'yung tinira mo, focus on the next shots. Kumbaga hindi naman doon natatapos 'yun. Kung hindi ko man na-shoot 'yun, go back again sa gym tomorrow, practice ulit, and ready for the next one,” he said.
“I need to move forward. Na-shoot ko nga, ngayon, tomorrow, routine ulit kasi nga hindi mo alam kailan darating 'yung opportunity na ganoon. I just need to be ready sa mga ganoong klase ng opportunity.”
Lee and Victolero, though, are moving on from Friday’s dub. The focus now shifts to Game 3 as the Hotshots look to finish off the pesky Fuel Masters.
“'Yun 'yung pinakamahirap na game sa lahat ng series, 'yung pag-close out ng series. Mahirap din kalaban 'yung team na back against the wall,” Lee said.
“Syempre ibibigay na nilang lahat. And then yung energy nila, nandiyan lahat yan, ibibigay nila lahat, so kailangan ready kami doon. Paghandaan talaga namin maigi.”
Gametime is set at 3:00 p.m. Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.