(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers weren’t able to score a win on Wednesday, losing 103-93 to the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 2 of the opening round of the playoffs.
Obviously, fans are very disappointed by that.
But they are inspired by the fact that Rui Huchimura had yet another strong game.
In fact, ESPN found that Hachimura is the first Laker to score 20 points off the bench in back-to-back playoff games since Magic Johnson in 1996.
Rui Hachimura is the first Laker to score 20 points off the bench in back-to-back playoff games since Magic Johnson in 1996 pic.twitter.com/rdyVjFtvPg
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 20, 2023
Hachimura was once again a pivotal part of the team on Wednesday night.
He scored 20 points and 5 rebounds in 32 minutes.
That followed a wonderful showing from the up-and-coming star on Sunday.
In Game 1, Hachimura went off for 29 points and 6 rebounds and garnered a bunch of attention, celebratory headlines, and praise from his teammates, fans, and other players throughout the league.
Some people thought that Hachimura wouldn’t be as productive in Game 2.
Few players are able to perform at such a level for consecutive games.
But Hachimura is proving to fans that he has found his rhythm in this playoff series.
Unfortunately for him, the rest of the team wasn’t able to perform as well.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 28 points and 12 rebounds.
But Hachimura was the only other player in purple and gold to score at least 20.
If the rest of the squad was able to help James and Hachimura, the Lakers probably would have won.
Now the question is if he can continue to play like this as the series moves to Los Angeles.
If he keeps this up and the rest of the team rebounds, the Lakers could be moving onto the second round.
It wasn’t enough on Wednesday night but Hachimura is continuing to show he has what it takes for the postseason.
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