(CNN Philippines) — Rain or Shine guard Paul Lee lost a tooth Sunday (April 19), but not his grit.
At the 5:07 mark of the third period in Game 3, one of Lee’s frontal teeth was knocked out after being on the receiving end of Talk ’N Text import Ivan Johnson’s elbow on the way to the basket. Two other teeth were deformed and pushed deeper into his gums.
League doctors advised Lee to go to the hospital right away, but instead the resilient Elasto Painter decided to return to the game to the delight of the Rain or Shine fans at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
“Sinabi ko kay coach Yeng Guiao na babalik ako. Kailangan kong ipakita sa teammates ko na gusto ‘kong manalo talaga,” Lee, despite struggling to speak, told reporters after the game.
He checked back into the game with 4:15 left in the fourth quarter to help his team put the finishing touches to the victory with an assist and a layup that put Rain or Shine on top for good, 109-94.
The Elasto Painters went on to rack up their second straight win, 109-97, and take a 2-1 upperhand in the best-of-seven series opposite the Tropang Texters.
Related: Lee loses tooth, but E-Painters go on to win vs Talk ‘N Text
Lee finished 17 points, three rebounds, five assists, and a steal in Game 3.
“Syempre masarap na nanalo kami,” the Tondo-born cager said. “Kahit anong mangyari sa akin, masaktan man, babalik ako. Gusto ko matapos yung championship talaga at manalo.”
Tough as ever, Lee said he will play in Game 4 on Wednesday (April 22) as the Elasto Painters try to build a comfortable lead in the series.
“Oo naman, lalaro pa rin ako kahit anong mangyari. Kahit masaktan ako babalik ako kasi gusto ko mag-champion,” he said.
