Inside The Wizards

Aggressive Mindset Yields Results for Rui Hachimura

Rui Hachimura was the X-factor in Wizards 113-105 victory over Dallas Mavericks

Carita Parks

Aggressive Mindset Yields Results for Rui Hachimura
Aggressive Mindset Yields Results for Rui Hachimura /
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Washington Wizards were short-handed when the Dallas Mavericks came into town on Thursday night. Shortly before the game, the Wizards announced that Kristaps Porzingis (left groin strain) and Taj Gibson (cervical strain) would be inactive against the Mavericks.

With Bradley Beal still in health and safety protocols and Porzingis being one of the Wizards consistent leading scorers, it was clear someone else would have to take on the scoring load.

Kyle Kuzma led the way with season-high 36 points on 14-of-26 shooting (5-11 3PT), 11 rebounds and seven assists in the Wizards 113-105 victory. It was also his third double-double of the season and his second in the last three games.

However, Rui Hachimura was the X-factor. He was on fire, playing with aggression and confidence. At one point, he swung around on the rim after drilling the ball into the basket. When Hachimura is in his zone, he is in his zone. After the game, Hachimura stated that he wanted to come out and be aggressive on the floor.

Although Hachimura shined in the preseason, he’s had some challenges with consistency during his transition from starter to a bench role. His abilities have always been there but he was finally able to make a statement and step up big with the short-handed roster.

“My first two years I was a starter and I was finishing the game,” Hachimura said. “It was nothing new to me. I know how to close a game, how to be patient, and when to be aggressive. I think today was a good game.”

Hachimura finished with a season-high 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the floor, also grabbing eight rebounds and has now scored in double figures in ten games from off the bench this season.

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Carita Parks
CARITA PARKS

Carita Parks is the founder and editor-in-chief of Double Take Sports, an online sports platform featuring in-depth feature interviews, personal athlete stories, game analysis, and inside access to top sporting events. As a credentialed sports journalist, Carita has covered major events such as the NBA Draft, NBA Playoffs, WNBA Draft, WNBA Finals, Super Bowl, NFL Draft, NFL Honors, and more. Her current work includes regular coverage of the NFL, WNBA, and NBA, including the Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, and Washington Commanders. Carita’s articles and interviews have appeared on a variety of platforms including USA Today’s CommandersWire and more. Throughout her journey as a reporter, Carita has interviewed many prestigious names in sports and entertainment to include: John Wall, Bradley Beal, Kyle Kuzma, Natasha Cloud, Elena Delle Donne, Lamar Jackson, Christian McCaffrey, Patrick Mahomes, Jemele Hill, and Snoop Dogg.  As a sports insider, Carita has been invited to provide expert analysis on podcasts, radio, and television shows. She also co-hosts a ‘The Triple W,’ an all female Wizards podcast, and a DC sports podcast called ‘The Breakdown.' Carita has a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Masters in Business Administration. She is a member of Women in Sports and Events – DC Chapter and the National Association of Black Journalists. 

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