Technically, he may be a rookie in terms of years, but he played like a veteran in his debut game.
In his debut game, Paul "the Lee-thal weapon" Lee showed to the PBA fans that he can compete with the league's finest - including 2001 rookie of the year and Ginebra superstar Mark "the spark" Cagiuoa. The 2nd overall pick in the recent PBA rookie draft was as good as advertised; helping the ElastoPainters to win its first game of the season versus the crowd favorite Brgy. Ginebra Gin Kings 94-93 in the lone game of the opening of the 37th Season of the PBA.
Lee does what he does best scoring off or making his teammates involve with his superb passing skills. He finished with 21 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds off the bench; making it one of the best performance of a rookie in a debut game. Though he missed all of his 6 attempts from beyond the arc, he managed to get 7 out of 9 from the 2-point territory that propelled Rain Or Shine to its first win of the season - against the team that they haven't defeated in six meetings last season.
According to coach Guiao, "Paul Lee played a great game". "He's physically tough, mentally tough. It's a natural talent". The rookie scored 10 points in the opening quarter that changed the complexion of the game; from 11-2 Ginebra lead to 20-19 Rain Or Shine at the end of 1st Quarter.
Jeff Chan also had his share, scoring 18 points(12 in the third) which includes a rare 4-point play to end the 3rd Quarter. Gabe Norwood finished with 11 (5 in the fourth), and Jervy Cruz with 8 (4 in the fourth). ROS's largest lead of the game stood at 87-71 with 7:43 in the fourth.
What looked like a blown game turned out into an interesting, tight contest as the never say die attitude of the Kings showed; cutting the 16-point deficit down to 3, 94-91 with 20.8 seconds remaining. JC Intal had the chance to forced the game into overtime, as he was fouled by J.R. Quinahan while attempting a 3-point shot, but missed the final freethrow, thus sealing Rain Or Shine's first victory of the season.
JC Intal and Cagioua both has 16 points in a losing effort for Ginebra. But, it's definitely the night for Paul "Lee-thal Weapon" Lee.
The scores:
Rain or Shine 94 - Lee 21, Chan 18, Norwood 11, Buenafe 10, Cruz 8, Quinahan 7, Matias 6, Belga 4,
Rodriguez 4, Ibanes 4, Arana 1.
Ginebra 93 - Intal 16, Caguioa 16, Helterbrand 11, Tubid 8, Cortez 8, Wilson J. 6, Canaleta 6,
Villanueva 6, Labagala 5, Mamaril 5, Wilson W. 4, De Ocampo 2, Cervantes 0.
Quarters: 20-19, 44-37, 77-62, 94-93 
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