Paul Lee hurt his knee in the second quarter of Rain or Shine’s game against San Miguel Beer. The Beermen won, 87-79. INQUIRER.net PHOTO/MARK GIONGCO
MANILA, Philippines—Rain or Shine guard Paul Lee injured his knee early in the second quarter of the Elasto Painters’ game against San Miguel Beer and did not return.
Lee said he hyperextended his right knee after a bad landing on a drive attempt. He lay down on the floor clutching his hurting knee before being carried by his teammates to the bench at the 11:13 mark of the second period.
“I hyperextended it. When I Ianded I hit Chris Ross’ knee and my knee was straight when I fell,” said the 25-year-old Lee, who just signed a two-year contract that guarantees him P100 million, after Rain or Shine lost to San Miguel Beer, 79-87, Tuesday night. “I still got lucky that it was just hyperextended.”
The 6-foot Lee stayed on the team’s bench throughout the remainder of the game and approached reporters without a noticeable limp.
Lee said he tried to see if he could still return to the game.
“I was trying to see if I could still play But there was no strength behind it and I knew there was no chance for me to come back,” he said in Filipino.
Lee won’t know yet whether he’ll be able to suit up when the Painters face the Blackwater Elite in their next game on Friday.
“I’ll have to see what happens after I have it checked tomorrow (Wednesday). I have to know what the doctor says and how it would feel.”
The Gilas Pilipinas guard Lee recorded three points, two rebounds, one assist and a couple of turnovers in five minutes off the bench.
Lee’s injury came at the same time teammate JR Quiñahan returned from injury after undergoing surgery in March to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee.