(CNN Philippines) — Rain or Shine star guard Paul Lee lost a tooth in the third period, but the Elasto Painters still went on to finish off Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, 109-97, in Game 3 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup finals at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum Sunday (April 19)
Rain or Shine took a 2-1 upperhand in the best-of-seven series that has been, as expected, highly physical.
Game 3 was so physical that Lee lost one of his frontal teeth and another two were pushed upward after being on the receiving end of Talk ‘N Text import Ivan Johsnon’s right elbow on the reinforcement’s way to the basket.
Fearless as ever, the “Lee-thal Weapon” returned to the game with 4:15 to go in the final period to put the finishing touches and foil Talk ‘N Text’s hopes of a comeback.
During that stretch, Lee dished out an assist to Gabe Norwood who finished the play with a two-handed throwdown, before scoring on a layup a minute later to put Rain or Shine on top for good, 109-94.
“Mabuti nga ngipin lang yung natanggal kay Paul, paano kung ilong?” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, whose team built a 22-point lead that never relinquished.
Nonetheless, the outspoken mentor was happy with how his wards stepped up on defense, prompting the “explosive” Talk ‘N Text to keep its weapons holstered at least during Sunday’s slugfest.
“We know Talk ‘N Text is an explosive team. We really played fantastic defense tonight. Everybody worked hard on defense,” said Guiao.
Moreover, it looks like Lady Luck is on the E-Painters’ side as 24 of 39 teams which took a 2-1 lead in a best-of-seven finals went on to win the championship as per league head statistician Fidel Mangonon III.
Rain or Shine import Wayne Chism scored only four points in the fourth period, but was in tow for the most part with game-high 32 points.
Lee added 17, while Jericho Cruz, who was in-charge of the backcourt while Lee was out briefly, had 10 of his 14 points in the final quarter. Jeff Chan chipped in 12.
Talk ‘N Text was paced by Johnson who finished with 30 points but his efforts went for naught. Jayson Castro added 20 points, while Larry Fonacier and Ranidel de Ocampo had 16 apiece.
Game 4 is on Wednesday (April 22) 7PM also at the Big Dome.
