Lee solid in Magnolia return, named PBA Player of the Week

MANILA, Philippines – Fresh from his stint with Gilas Pilipinas in two international tournaments, Paul Lee returned to Magnolia in fighting form as evidenced by back-to back strong performances this past week.

Lee averaged 25 points, 3.5 assists, 3.5 steals and 2.5 rebounds to grab the Cignal-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of September 24-30.

The 29-year-old Lee presided over Magnolia’s frenetic offensive against his former team Rain or Shine to post a runaway 92-76 win last Wednesday.

Lee finished with all-around numbers of 22 points, seven assists, four steals and two rebounds, while lacing his performance with three triples against the Elasto Painters.

The former PBA Rookie of the Year upped the ante of his game four days later, including the game-winning basket to lift Magnolia to a cliffhanging 109-108 win over San Miguel Beer on Sunday.

Lee, who played in the Jakarta Asian Games and the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers last month, led the Pambansang Manok with 28 points, spiked by two triples. He added three rebounds and three steals for Magnolia, which tied Blackwater at for a share of second spot in the standings at 4-1. 

Barangay Ginebra leads the team standings with its 5-1 card.

Lee and the Pambansang Manok will try to keep their winning ways going on Wednesday when they collide with winless Columbian Dyip in the opening game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.