Paul Lee reaches career milestone with 1000th triple
Paul Lee cemented his legacy as a top-tier shooter by joining an exclusive club of PBA players after sinking his 1000th career triple during Magnolia’s impressive 108-102 victory over Rain or Shine at the Tiaong Convention Center on Saturday, April 20.
In achieving this milestone, Lee became just the 10th player in PBA history to reach the 1000 three-pointers mark, making him the fifth fastest to do so according to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III.
This accomplishment places him alongside basketball legends like Jimmy Alapag and Allan Caidic, who hold the top spots with 1,250 and 1,242 threes, respectively.
“Just happy. It’s a milestone for me and I must say it’s pure hard work. A lot of work na ginawa ko just to reach that milestone,” said Lee who also joined Al Solis, Arwind Santos, Dondon Hontiveros and Ronnie Magsanoc in the elite group.
“I’m just grateful and thankful maging part ng elite na club na iyon. Dadalhin ko siya habang buhay and again it’s just pure hard work. Nagsimula naman iyon lahat sa practice lumabas lang siya,” he added.
Adding to his accolades, Lee now stands as the fourth active player on the esteemed list, joining the ranks of Brgy. Ginebra’s LA Tenorio, Blackwater’s James Yap, and San Miguel’s Marcio Lassiter — all of whom are among the league’s top sharpshooters.
Despite facing a shooting slump leading up to the game, with a 6-of-23 shooting record, Lee defied the odds and delivered when it mattered most.
With only a 1-of-6 shooting performance from beyond the arc during the game, Lee managed to sink a crucial triple at the 7:44 mark of the final quarter. This shot sparked an 11-0 run for Magnolia, ultimately securing the victory and showcasing Lee’s clutch shooting abilities.
“At the end of the day. I just took the open shot and it helps din na pamatay sunog yung situation. Nag rally na yung Rain or Shine so it’s just the perfect moment,” said Lee.
This milestone solidifies Lee’s status as one of the PBA’s premier shooters, a title he has rightfully earned with a three-point shooting crown already to his name.
