MANILA – Hotshots star Paul Lee downplayed a hand injury he sustained in the PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven Finals.
Magnolia was down by a game after losing to San Miguel Beermen, which surged to a 2-1 series lead in Game 3 on Sunday.
Lee hurt a finger in his right hand with 9:01 remaining in the fourth quarter after a jump ball.
He was seen clutching his hand, prompting the coaches to sub him out. He has not returned to the court.
Once a Rookie of the Year awardee, the Magnolia guard assured that he will be ready for Game 4 Wednesday night.
“Na-jam siya. Pagsundot ko tumama sa tuhod ni Matt (Ganuelas-Rosser),” he told the press.
“Pero ready ako, ready ako. Wala naman ito, ’di naman gaanong malala, pain reliever lang siguro [kailangan],” he said.
Lee was not new to injuries. He have missed games many times due to them while playing for Hotshots, and before with Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
He promised to play through the pain this time, especially that Hotshots was still missing the services of Marc Pingris and Justin Melton for the rest of the series, also due to injuries.
“Lalaro talaga ako next game. Mahirap mabaon sa 3-1 so big game sa amin sa next game,” Lee said. “Expected naman namin iyon. Talagang malakas talaga ang San Miguel.”/PN
