PBA: Rain-delayed game a first for Paul Lee

Magnolia Hotshots’ Paul Lee during a game vs Meralco Bolts in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Paul Lee has played in the PBA for well over 15 years now, but even the veteran guard experienced something new on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Lee went through the first rain delay of his PBA career when Magnolia’s matchup with Meralco was halted for more than 30 minutes because of a roof leak caused by rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).

“No, that hasn’t happened to me before,” he told the Inquirer after the Hotshots’ 105-88 win. “But, those things, we have no control over. It is what it is. We waited for what’s about to happen and fortunately the game continued.”

The game was stopped after the third quarter, with Magnolia holding a 71-70 lead, when rainwater leaked onto the hardwood.

Lee and the Hotshots went on a prolonged shoot-around, trying to stay ready while waiting for play to resume.

“It was hard,” Lee admitted. “We sat for a while. The game was delayed, there were distractions, but it’s a great win. We responded to the situation and coach LA is very happy.”

It seemed like that little break from action worked in Magnolia’s favor as it began the fourth quarter with a game-changing 19-5 run to build a 90-75 lead midway through the payoff period.

Lee ended up with seven points, five assists and two rebounds in the win that sent the Hotshots to a 3-3 record in Group B.