RAIN or Shine finally felt the weight of a missing piece as its seven-game surge in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup came to a halt—underscoring just how vital Felix Lemetti has become to the Elasto Painters’ system.
The Fil-Swedish playmaker sat out Tuesday night’s clash at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium due to a left knee contusion, and his absence was evident as Rain or Shine absorbed an 87-83 setback against the Phoenix Fuel Masters.
Lemetti had been a steady engine during the team’s hot streak, averaging 11.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. More than the numbers, it was his tempo-setting and defensive presence that the team sorely missed.
“Na-miss namin si Felix, medyo bumagal kami nung nawala siya,” admitted head coach Yeng Guiao. “Pati depensa niya, kulang kami sa pag-contain ng guards ng Phoenix.”
The injury traces back to Rain or Shine’s previous win over Terrafirma, where Lemetti was limited to just four points after a hard fall involving 7-foot Dyip import Mubashar Ali. The incident left him with a swollen knee, forcing him to the sidelines.
An MRI ruled out any structural damage, but Guiao said the swelling and trauma have yet to fully subside—putting Lemetti’s immediate return in question.
“Walang tear, pero swollen pa rin. Hindi pa nawawala yung trauma,” Guiao shared.
With a crucial matchup against Magnolia looming on Saturday, the Elasto Painters remain in wait-and-see mode.
“Hindi pa namin sigurado kung makakabalik siya sa next game,” Guiao added. “Titingnan pa namin kung kailan siya ready.”
Despite the loss, Rain or Shine still holds the league’s top spot with a 7-1 record—but with Lemetti’s status uncertain, maintaining that lead could become a tougher grind.