Rain or Shine dedicates storybook championship to injured guard Paul Lee

PBA/Nuki Sabio

“It’s like a storybook ending.”

That’s how Rain or Shine swingman Gabe Norwood described the team’s Governors’ Cup run, which gave the Elasto Painters the first title in franchise history.

“It was a tough road going to the finals and for us to beat B-MEG without Paul Lee, our best player. It was a fitting way to end that chapter.”

Rain or Shine zoomed to the top of the standings to start the tournament, but struggled in the semis. The Elasto Painters defeated the Llamados to book its seat in the finals, where it defeated the same team in seven grueling games while missing Lee, the Rookie of the Year who missed most of the series after re-injuring his shoulder in Game Two.

“I really wanted to play,” said Lee, who was barred from playing by coach Yeng Guiao. “But I respect the coach’s decision and I’m happy that he sparred me from suiting up. He really cared for me and I want to thank him for that.”

The fiery coach stood firm on his decision not to use his injured young player, instead making true on his promise that the team will win the championship with or without Lee.

“He will have many more chances left, many more opportunities. Now, we can all celebrate and dedicate this win to him,” said Guiao.

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