With blowout win, Lee says Hotshots starting to build chemistry

MANILA, Philippines — Paul Lee believes his team is starting to be in full synchronization.

In one of the most lopsided games in recent PBA history, the Star Hotshots — behind Lee — blew out the Phoenix Fuel Masters by 44 points. And the newly transferred guard said the chemistry between the players is starting to shape up.

“Feeling ko, ‘yung chemistry (ng team), maganda na ang takbo,” Lee said. “Alam na namin kung anong gagawin. Tuwing ‘yung open man nahahanap namin sa depensa, nag tutulungan kami.”

The Hotshots, who led by as much as 53 in the game, drew scoring from all available cager.  It was only Samboy de Leon who wasn’t unable to register a bucket. Their bench accounted for 68 markers, almost going at par with the whole Phoenix production.

“Kitang kita naman sa stats —assist namin tumaas, depensa namin nalimit namin (Phoenix). Kasi ang goal namin, hindi sila lumampas ng 90,” Lee shared. “Nagawa naman namin.”

The Hotshots clicking in all cylinders primes them up for their showdown with Lee’s old team, Rain or Shine, where Purefoods' former skipper James Yap is also getting into groove.

Asked about the tussle, Lee said they’d employ the same preparations they do with other teams.

“Pare-parehas lang naman ‘yan,” the former Finals MVP said. “Rain or Shine’s a strong team. They’re 3-1. Malakas pa rin kahit anong mangyari, and good addition sina Mike Tolomia and [Jay Washington].

Star and Rain or Shine will clash on December 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.