Rui Hachimura Helps Lakers Win Play-In Game and Earn a Trip to NBA Playoffs

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Rui Hachimura drained a go-ahead 3-pointer in overtime, which proved to be a good omen for the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, April 11.

The Lakers held on for a 108-102 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA's Western Conference seventh place versus eighth place play-in game at Crypto.com Arena.

Hachimura's long-range bucket produced the first points of overtime at the 4:35 mark, putting his team ahead 101-98. LeBron James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, registered an assist on the play.

James finished with a game-high 30 points and teammate Anthony Davis added 24 points and 15 rebounds. Veteran point guard Dennis Schroder had 21 points, while Hachimura, who played 26-plus minutes off the bench, chipped in with 12 points, two rebounds and an assist.

With the win, West No 7 seed Los Angeles (43-39 in the regular season) advanced to the NBA playoffs. The Lakers will play No 2 seed Memphis Grizzlies (51-31) in a best-of-seven, first-round series, starting on Sunday, April 16.

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Author: Ed Odeven

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