PBA: 'Saddest birthday' for Paul Lee as Magnolia crumbles late vs San Miguel in Game 6

On the day he turned 35, Paul Lee exploded off the bench after pouring in 25 points on top of three rebounds and three assists in Magnolia's Game 6 clash against San Miguel in the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals on Wednesday.

Unfortunately for Lee and the Hotshots, they could not get the win as they faded in the endgame to allow the Beermen hoist their 29th overall title.

Personally, Lee said the loss would probably mean the 'saddest birthday' for him as they failed to force a Game 7.

"Probably the saddest birthday," he said on the heels of a heartbreaking 104-102 loss.  

"But marami pa namang bagay na pwedeng ipagpapasalamat, unang-una natapos ‘yung game na walang nasaktan and natapos ko ‘yung series kahit laging sinasabi sa akin na ‘di ko natatapos dahil na-i-injure ako."

(There are still many things to be thankful for, first is that I was not hurt and I finished the series even if some say I don't finish one because of injury.)

Lee, whose triple sent them to a 98-92 lead in the final 2:28, said they lost focus in the final stretch and stressed the Beermen simply wanted it more.

"Credits to San Miguel, they really wanted to win tonight so move on, tomorrow is another day," he added.

"We lost our focus, na-dominate kami ng San Miguel sa dulo, of course maraming players ang may championship experience doon like Chris Ross."

(We lost our focus, we were dominated by San Miguel in the end, of course many players have championship experience like Chris Ross.)

Still, Lee is positive on what their current team can achieve come the Philippine Cup, saying their learnings from this conference would only make them better.

"Take a rest, move on, and prepare for the next conference. I think we have a pretty good chance sa All-Filipino," Lee said.

"Pero ‘yun nga, marami kaming kailangang ayusin as a team. We need to be solid from start to finish, ‘yun lagi ‘yung sinasabi sa amin ni coach Chito."

(But of course, we need to fix as a team. We need to be solid from start to finish, that's what Coach Chito always tells us.)

—JKC, GMA Integrated News