NBA, playoffs: decisive shot by the Lakers, who prevail in game 1 in Memphis

A very inspired Hachimura drags the yellow-purples, who after the triumph in the play-in show that they have all the credentials to annoy everyone

In the highly anticipated clash of the Grizzilies against the Lakers, many expected the plays of Ja Morant, LeBron James or Anthony Davis. Instead, in the end, it was the one who had been least expected by the fans to take the lion’s share, namely Rui Hachimura, the Japanese winger under the yellow-purple team. If an old fox like LeBron was certainly not to be underestimated and has once again proved his physical integrity and his amazing coordination with a facsimile anthology block of the one on Iguodala in game 7 of the 2015 Finalsthe Japanese took the lead role after being run over by James.

Coming out of the distance, the 1998 born in Toyama took center stage with a series of attacks on the basket culminating in spectacular plays, without however disdaining long shots, in which he performed putting five out of six total. An all-round performance, one of those that consecrate true champions. His 26 total points, combined with six rebounds, they undoubtedly elevated him to the great protagonist of a victory that was secured only in the last quarter, when the yellow-purples achieved a run of 32 to 22, thus finishing the match with 16 points more than their rivals. Among the landlords, the one who tried the hardest was undoubtedly Jaren Jackson, who ended up being the top scorer with 31 points and five rebounds, but will go to sleep disappointed for the defeat.

The first step of the Lakers is for those who are convinced. A winning step, with James and Davis who didn’t even have to bang too much to create superiority. And that’s the best news for the Lakers.