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Grizzlies' Desmond Bane challenges Lakers' Rui Hachimura after Game 1: 'Let's see if he can do it again'

Gilbert McGregor

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Grizzlies' Desmond Bane challenges Lakers' Rui Hachimura after Game 1: 'Let's see if he can do it again' image

The play of Rui Hachimura was one of the biggest storylines of the 7-seed Lakers' stunning victory over the 2-seed Grizzlies in Game 1 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

Before the Lakers pulled away in the game's final minutes, it was Hachimura that made big plays to keep the team in the game. As Memphis dared him to shoot, Hachimura went 5-of-5 from deep in the second half, scoring 21 of his 29 points in the game's final two quarters.

Impressive as Hachimura was in Game 1, Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane didn't exactly seem concerned about Hachimura's shooting as the series goes on, instead issuing a challenge to LA's X-factor.

MORE: How Rui Hachimura can be the Lakers' playoff X-factor on both ends of the floor

"That was our game plan going in," Bane told reporters postgame. "Make [Hachimura] hit shots and he did. Tip your cap — it's probably the best game he's had in his career.

"It's a seven-game series. Let's see if he can do it again on Wednesday."

Bane's assertion of Game 1 being the best of Hachimura's career isn't completely off base — five 3s are the most Hachimura has ever made in an NBA game and his 29 points were just one shy of matching a career best.

That said, a look back at Hachimura's performance in Game 1 would suggest that it can be replicated as the series goes on.

According to NBA.com's tracking data, all six of Hachimura's 3-point attempts in Game 1 were considered open or wide open. And while Hachimura shot just 31.9 percent from 3-point range during the regular season, he's converted 37.9 percent on his uncontested 3s over the last two seasons, thanks in large part to red-hot shooting during the 2021-22 season.

Expecting Hachimura to replicate a career night may be a bit much, but history suggests that he has a way of making teams pay when they leave him open behind the arc.

It's also worth noting that Hachimura made the Grizzlies pay in transition and as a driver, which is where he delivered an emphatic slam over Defensive Player of the Year finalist Jaren Jackson Jr. and dished out a difficult spinning assist to Austin Reaves in a crucial moment.

The biggest takeaway from Game 1 should be that Hachimura is ready to step up to any challenge. Expect him to be ready to take advantage of Memphis' game plan if no adjustments come ahead of Game 2.

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.