Rui Hachimura is bad luck for Memphis again as Lakers win

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Maybe the Grizzlies haven’t learned?

Despite them being ravaged by injuries and suspensions, their season largely a throwaway, Wednesday’s game with the Lakers was their first time this year hosting the team that ousted them last spring.

But, somehow, Rui Hachimura was still open.

“I got all the flashbacks from last year,” he said.

After Hachimura set the tone in the playoff opener a year ago by drilling five three-point shots, he found himself, again, open in Memphis, two feet behind the line just off Beale.

Read more: Austin Reaves’ confidence never faded as he shot double OT game-winner against Bucks

With the Lakers forced to play without Anthony Davis because of a hyper-extended knee he suffered his 52-minute masterpiece Tuesday in Milwaukee, Hachimura’s shooting and commitment on the glass helped the Lakers hold off the Grizzlies in a 136-124 win — the Lakers’ fifth straight.

Since becoming a full-time starter on Feb. 3, Hachimura is averaging 15 points and shooting 57.3% from the field and 41% from three.

The Lakers are 16-7 since the change.

“Clarity always helps performance. And so once inserting him into the starting lineup, it gives him a chance where the defense is not just focused on him,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said postgame.

“All the scheming is done for Bron and AD and D-Lo and even AR. So if you want to technically call him a fifth option, I take that any and every day of the week,” Ham said.

Hachimura made seven of his eight threes — the most makes in his career — as he scored 32 points to lead the Lakers on the second night of a back-to-back. He also grabbed 10 rebounds, his second-straight game with at least 10 rebounds.

“That’s how I get into rhythm,” Hachimura said. “So I think getting more action on the rebounding, I can push the ball, you know, I get another touch when I get the ball. It’s easier for me to get into rhythm. I think I just got to keep doing that, the rebounding side. And just being aggressive on offense. That’s normal for me, but especially with Bron or AD out, I have more opportunity attacking the rim, shooting the ball. That’s how I can help.”

The…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rui-hachimura-bad-luck-memphis-023824014.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-03-28 02:38:24

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