Magnolia Hotshots’ Paul Lee throughout a sport towards the Meralco Bolts within the PBA Governors’ Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet
MANILA, Philippines—Paul Lee instantly felt the consequences of the newly applied four-point line in Magnolia’s sport towards Meralco within the season opener on Sunday.
And whereas there are a variety of criticisms surrounding the league’s implementation, Lee is definitely not one in every of them.
“It [four-point line] makes the sport extra thrilling. We had been simply down by two earlier and even when they make two free throws, we nonetheless had an opportunity to tie and even take a one-point lead,” mentioned Lee.
READ: Chris Banchero hits first-ever PBA four-point shot
“Late within the sport, even you probably have like a 10-point lead with a minute and a half to go, it’s exhausting to say that you just’ve already received. When the opposite crew runs and makes two [four-pointers], it’s a detailed sport immediately. It’s enjoyable and thrilling.”
After Meralco guard Chris Newsome break up his free throws that gave the Bolts a 97-94 lead within the waning seconds of the sport, Magnolia import Glenn Robinson III tried to win it with a four-point shot however missed that led to a pair of game-sealing freebies by Allen Durham on the opposite finish.
Meralco guard Chris Banchero sank the first-ever 4-pointer–a shot taken from 27 toes and past–on the 10:26 mark of the second quarter.
Lee knocked one down too early within the fourth interval to complete with 14 factors.
READ: PBA: Paul Lee units restrict on when he’ll take ‘innovation’ shot
“Meralco revered it [four-pointers] immediately. In the event you noticed (Chris) Banchero and the others earlier and the way they defended me, they didn’t give me any house. I simply obtained fortunate, the one I shot was throughout a quick break,” mentioned Lee.
Nonetheless, Lee reiterated that there’s no want for the Hotshots to have a concerted effort in taking four-point pictures.
“We’re not trying an excessive amount of into it. In the event you’re open simply take it. We additionally know, inside our crew, who shoots from there so we’re not going to drive it.”