Finals rematch with Texters on Saturday ‘must win’ for Painters, says Lee

Paul Lee drives to the hoop against Ranidel De Ocampo. PBA Images

Rain or Shine star Paul Lee thinks the Elasto Painters’ 38-point win over the Blackwater Elite served as a good preparation for their big game against the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters on Saturday.

Lee marked the showdown with the Texters in Bacolod as a “must-win” for the Painters, who are in dire need of a push in their playoff bid this conference.

“Importante sa amin ito papunta sa game namin sa Bacolod kasi kahit papaano nakapaglaro lahat kumbaga parang preparation namin ‘to lahat papunta sa game,” Lee said after posting 13 points, nine rebounds and four assists.

READ: PBA: Rain or Shine whips Blackwater

(This is an important win for us going into our game in Bacolod because at least everyone was able to play and this is like our preparation going into that game.)

“Siyempre mahalaga din sa amin kasi yung standing namin. 2-4 na kami ngayon so must-win talaga kami sa Saturday.”

(“Of course this is also important for us because of our standing. We’re now 2-4 so Saturday’s game is really a must-win for us.”)

READ: Rain or Shine in survival mode in PBA Governors’ Cup

The game also marks the first time Rain or Shine and Talk ‘N Text will meet since the Texters won the Commissioner’s Cup championship in a Game 7.

The 6-foot Lee, however, said that the Painters’ painful loss won’t be the players’ motivation but rather the fact that the team is struggling this conference.

“Wala ng sinasabi sa amin si coach Yeng siguro hindi na niya kami kailangan i-motivate. Alam naman niya kung anong sitwasyon namin ngayon, alam ng buong team so kailangan kumilos na talaga lahat, magtulungan para umabot kami sa playoffs,” he stressed

READ: Talk N’ Text withstands Rain or Shine in 2 OTs, nabs PBA Commissioner’s Cup title

(“Coach Yeng isn’t telling us anything. I think that’s because he doesn’t have to motivate us. He already knows the situation we’re in, the whole team knows so everyone needs to work hard and help each other to reach the playoffs.”)

The 26-year-old Lee remains optimistic of his team’s chances to make the playoffs despite the fact that Rain or Shine finds itself in a four-way tie in the eighth and last playoff spot with NLEX, Purefoods and Barangay Ginebra.

“Positive naman ako. Lalo na sa game namin ngayon kasi lahat umiskor talaga, lahat nag-contribute offense and defense so sana ito na yung simula ng streak namin.”

(“I’m positive especially with how we played tonight because everyone scored, everyone contributed offense and defense. So I hope this is the start of our streak.”)

Lee is also wary of how good of a team Talk ‘N Text is. It also doesn’t help Rain or Shine’s cause that the Tropang Texters are on a two-game skid and will be coming off its worst loss in franchise history.

READ: Bolts rip Texters in record-setting fashion

“Talk ‘N Text is a dangerous team and any given night they can win by 20 to 30 points. Dapat ready kami kasi away namin bumaba pa sa standings (We have to be ready because we don’t want to slip further down the standings). We need to win on Saturday.” CC