MANILA, Philippines – This one has become the four-point ball’s king after reigning as the three-point king.

After leading Team Japeth to a thrilling 140 to 136 victory over Team Scottie in the PBA midseason extravaganza in front of a boisterous crowd at the City of Passi Arena on Sunday, Paul Lee received his first PBA All-Star Game MVP award.

Making the most of one of the All-Star Game’s new novelties, Lee went 7-of-13 from 27 feet away to headline a 32-point performance that was unquestionably the largest cheer in the event’s comeback after a three-year break.

Tim Cone’s victorious side was led by Jamie Malonzo and RR Pogoy, who both scored 20 points, while Chris Newsome and Calvin Oftana chipped in 16 apiece.

Scottie Thompson and his teammates were defeated by Jio Jalalon, Arwind Santos, John Pinto, Jeremiah Gray, Gian Mamuyac, Raymond Almazan, and Alex Cabagnot in the absence of team captain Japeth Aguilar, who was sidelined due to an injury that is still healing.

One of the most competitive All-Star Games in league history, Cone’s Chargers controlled the pace for the majority of the game before Team Scottie unleashed a crucial run in the third. This set the stage for a tight, thrilling conclusion.

The game will be remembered as a Paul Lee performance that enthralled the Ilonggo crowd, despite clutch hits by Malonzo, Pogoy, and Oftana in the final stretch.

With regard to his ferocious four-point shooting, Lee referred to himself as “Hit”.

In the Passi Sunday Game, the league’s first All-Star Game since the 2019 spectacular in Calasiao, Pangasinan, two new rules were introduced: a three-point dunk and a four-point ball from 27 feet and beyond.

After dominating the Three-Point Shootout on Friday at the All-Star Skills Competition, Lee was a big hit.

When Team Japeth won the first half 74 to 65, the Magnolia ace also brought his strong shooting from the All-Star Game. He made five four-pointers in the period.

However, Team Scottie was inspired by Christian Standhardinger, Robert Bolick, and Arvin Tolentino to gain the upper hand, 104 to 1001, in the third.

With Lee, Malonzo, and Oftana in the firing line, Team Japeth was able to hold on and play tougher down the stretch.

Coach Yeng Guiao’s team ultimately lost the game as a result of Bolick and CJ Perez missing four-point baskets with seconds remaining in the game. It came down to a battle from 27 feet out.

Lee and his team made it a twinkill by defeating Team Scottie in the dance-off as well. The dance-off saw the winners take home a cash prize of P150,000 while the losers took home P75,000.