Paul Lee: BPC award won’t mean anything if Magnolia doesn’t win PBA title

MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia’s Paul Lee has long established himself as one of the elite players in the PBA after breaking into the scene as the top rookie of the 2011-2012 season.

He is also a one-time Finals MVP with Rain or Shine and part of the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup champion team and on Wednesday he added another hardware to his growing collection.

Lee won his first Best Player of the Conference plum of the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup, but the veteran guard deflected the credit.

“There are a lot of players who deserve that award and we all know that,” said Lee Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. “I just got lucky because I’m in the finals and my chances got better because of it.”

“But we all know there are also others who deserve this award.”

Lee’s celebration, however, was shortlived when the Hotshots lost to Alaska, 90-76, in Game 4 of the finals and that defeat tied the series at 2-2.

It was Magnolia’s second straight loss, negating the momentum from its 2-0 start in the title round.

“Of course I’m very happy with this award but I’d be even happier if we can win the championship,” said Lee who finished with 14 points and eight rebound but was cold from the field shooting at a 4-of-13 clip.

“Because all of this won’t mean anything if we can’t win the championship.”