With Rui Hachimura as an unexpected figure, the Los Angeles Lakers took Game 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies

The Playoffs They are the ideal setting for not only the stars to take center stage, but also to appear role players, with unexpected appearances leading to an even game. This is exactly what happened in the first duel between them Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakerswith Rui Hachimura on fire to guide Angelina’s victory 128-112.

The Japanese was the The X Factor of a match that just opened in the last minutes and ended with 29 points, 11-14 from the field and 5-6 on 3-pointers. Memphis gave the former Washington a chance all game, and time and time again, Hachimura made them pay, with his highest score since being a part of the franchise.

In fact, Hachimura wasn’t the only player to shine for the Lakers: Austin Reeves followed with 23 points and several key turnovers, to break Memphis’ fourth quarter resistance. Both Hachimura and Reaves ended up scoring more than LeBron James (21 points and 11 rebounds) and? Anthony Davis (22 points and 12 rebounds). D’Angelo Russell also contributed 19 points.

In addition to the triumph of the Lakers, the history of the meeting went through the Ja Morant’s right hand injurywho had to pull out of the fight in the final quarter after a spectacular fall in which he hurt an already struggling hand. The point guard did not return to the game and more details on the severity of his injury are awaited.

Morad had scored 18 points before his injury, facing Jared Vanderbilt’s good defense for long stretches. Memphis’ leading scorer was Jaren Jackson Jr. with 31, followed by Desmond Bain with 22.

In addition to his 31 points, Memphis needs more than a Jackson who lacked defensive impact and suffered rebounding horrors (barely dropped 3 defenders in 37 minutes). For a player likely to win DPOY this season, JJJ was a non-factor in his own half, as the Lakers’ 128 points proved.

It’s clear that Memphis misses its injured interior a lot (Adams and Clarke), who must improvise as five to a Jackson whomand the physical struggle costs against bigger opponents. For example, a Anthony Davis which not only dunked him in the opposing paint, but also gave a master class defensive with 7 blocks and 3 steals.

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