Key Highlights
The Rise of Rui Hachimura: A Playoff Story
Rui Hachimura has been one of those players who rise to the occasion in high-stakes games. His performance during this NBA playoffs is a testament to his ability as a shooter, especially from mid-range and 3-point range.
Playoff Riser: A Term for the Best
A playoff riser is not just about having a good regular season; it’s about stepping up when the pressure is on. Hachimura has proven this year by consistently delivering clutch shots that keep his team in games.
Basketball is Not Just About Rim Attempts and 3s
While teams often focus on taking away rim attempts and 3-pointers, mid-range jumpers remain a valuable weapon. In the NBA, players who can hit these shots are rare but essential. Hachimura’s 55.6% shooting from this range during the regular season is already impressive.
Hachimura’s Impact: 3-Point Shooting and More
His performance in the playoffs has been even more remarkable, with a blistering 57.1% from 3-point range on over five attempts per game. This ranks him second among players who take at least three per game in the entire postseason.
Lakers’ Valuable Asset: Hachimura’s Shooting and Playmaking
As the Lakers find themselves trailing against a strong Thunder team, Hachimura stands out as one of their most reliable players. His ability to hit wide-open shots from beyond the arc is particularly valuable when run on-ball actions. His 70.4% shooting percentage on these opportunities is a stark reminder of his importance.
While Hachimura has not been perfect—his defensive foot speed and lack of athleticism are notable weaknesses—he has shown in double-digit scoring every game, shooting above 50% in seven of the eight games played so far.
His contributions extend beyond just hitting shots; he provides a safety valve for the Lakers when they need it most.
The Thunder’s dominance leaves no easy path to victory, but Hachimura’s rise as a playoff performer is a bright spot for the Lakers. As the series shifts back to Los Angeles, his value will be tested again in Games 3 and 4.
