Paul Lee regrets premature comeback

 

Paul Lee was in street clothes as he sat on the Elasto Painters bench in Game Six of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series between Rain or Shine and San Miguel Beer on Friday night.

 

The Elasto Painters star reinjured his left knee after returning in Game One and playing close to 22 minutes per game. He was reduced to a spectator as his teammates lost the do-or-die match.

 

Unable to help his team in the end, Lee said he regrets not allowing himself more time to rest and heal the knee he hurt in the preseason.

 

"Nung nalaman ko na hindi ako makakapaglaro, parang bigla ding pumasok sa isip ko na sana pinahinga ko na lang," he said. "Pero wala na tayong magagawa, nangyari na ulit."

 

Lee's semifinals return was all according to Rain or Shine's plan, but they did not expect to have his knee swelling again after a few games.

 

"Siguro laro lang ako nang laro, di ko naman nararamdaman," the combo guard said. "After that, medyo nag-tight na naman siya tapos iba 'yung pakiramdam."

 

He played his best game of the series in Game Three with 18 points and three assists, but the following game he fouled out in the third quarter after scoring 10.

 

Lee, who visibly struggled rotating on defense, said he was told by doctors that he will need two to four weeks to recover.

 

He vowed he won't take his chances with another premature comeback this time around.

 

"This time bago ako bumalik, talagang sure ball ko na na sobrang lakas na talaga nung legs ko," he said.

 

"Kasi kung babalik lang ako nang hindi ako sure kung ganun kalakas, baka maulit lang nang maulit 'yung ganito." — Marisse Panaligan / APG, GMA News