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Rui Hachimura Helps Lakers Beat Timberwolves in NBA Season Opener

Sixth-year pro Rui Hachimura was an active presence at both ends of the court. He scored 18 points and grabbed five rebounds in a victory over the Timberwolves.

Published

1 day ago

October 23, 2024

Ed Odeven

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura defends Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the first half in the teams' season-opening game on October 22 in Los Angeles. (©Eric Thayer/AP)

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Rui Hachimura made the Los Angeles Lakers' first basket of the 2024-25 NBA season, draining a 3-point shot 52 seconds into the game on Tuesday night, October 22.

Hachimura added a driving slam dunk for the Lakers' next points at the 10:23 mark of the first quarter, giving them a 5-2 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The sixth-year pro finished with 18 points on 7-for-14 shooting, five rebounds and two steals in 35 productive minutes of court time. Hachimura added an assist and a blocked shot in the Lakers' 110-103 home win at Crypto.com Arena.

With 5:11 remaining until halftime, a Hachimura layup extended LA's lead to 49-32. Moments later, frontcourt mate Anthony Davis pushed the advantage to 19 points on another layup.

Minnesota trailed 55-42 at halftime.

Davis led the Lakers with 36 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks.

Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 27 points.

Tuesday's game marked JJ Reddick's regular-season debut as Lakers coach. He took over for departed bench boss Darvin Ham, who led the team from 2022-24. LA went 47-35 last season and was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

Rui Hachimura Expresses Confidence in Himself, Team

Under new leadership, Hachimura believes he will be a key contributor and help push the Lakers to greater heights this season.

"I felt like all the practice I've done so far paid off, so I'm happy about that," Hachimura told reporters after the season-opening game, NHK reported.

He added, "I think we are a team that can win the championship this year, so I want to do my best to achieve that goal."

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Author: Ed Odeven

Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.