All Lakers

Lakers News: Grizzlies Role Player Downplays Rui Hachimura’s Career Night

Not everybody was happy about Rui's hot playoff start.

Noel Sanchez

Lakers News: Grizzlies Role Player Downplays Rui Hachimura’s Career Night
Lakers News: Grizzlies Role Player Downplays Rui Hachimura’s Career Night /
In this story:

When Rui Hachimura first touched down in Los Angeles in the first of multiple trades executed by Rob Pelinka this season, the hopes were that he could serve as a solid third-scoring option behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He's always showed promise when it comes to his corner threes and his offensive game revolves mostly around the mid-range area.

The fit wasn't perfect off of the jump but after a DNP - CD late in the regular season, his energy seemed to shift completely. It all led up to the game one of the first round of the playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies where it was a hard-fought battle until the end.

But Hachimura proved exactly why Los Angeles opted to trade for him and he fit their vision down to a crisp on Sunday when he played 30 minutes off of the bench and scored 29 points. 12 of those came in the third quarter and he notched five three's total out of six attempts. LA went on to win 128-112.

However, Memphis seems to believe that Hachimura's night was a fluke of sorts. 

More specifically, it was Desmond Bane who acknowledged his career-night but also challenged him to continue that level of play for the rest of the series.

"It was probably the best game he's had in his career. It's a seven-game series, let's see if he can do it again on Wednesday," said Bane.

(Via Clutch Points)

This mainly had to come out of spite as Bane himself had 22 points but shot just 30% from deep and lost of course.

We would love for Rui to continue scoring in the high 20's and missing very few three's in the process, but we realistically just need him to play aggressive and confident every minute he's on the floor. The looks will be there every game.

Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!

Published
Noel Sanchez
NOEL SANCHEZ

Noel is currently in his third year at California Polytechnic University of Pomona and is pursuing a B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in Multi-Media Journalism. He has always had a deep passion for sports and writing.

Home/News