Overview
- Thunder big man Chet Holmgren, a fellow Gonzaga alum, likened Rui Hachimura to a “Japanese Jordan” and said the Laker can make shots in bunches if he gets comfortable.
- Hachimura helped finish off Houston with 21 points and five three-pointers in Game 6, sealing the first-round series in six games.
- Over the Rockets series he averaged 15.8 points with 54.3% shooting from the field and 58.6% from three, highlighting a torrid perimeter run.
- Analysts note Oklahoma City’s defense crowds the paint with size and length, so Los Angeles is expected to count on Hachimura’s jumper and quick reads on the wing.
- Yahoo Sports and Heavy report Luka Doncic remains sidelined by a hamstring strain, which increases the onus on role players like Hachimura to carry offense when LeBron James sits.