Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura posted an effective field goal percentage of 103.6%, the sixth highest in NBA history in a 30-point, 10-rebound game, in Wednesday nightβs 136-124 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Hachimura, 26, ended his outing with 32 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, and two blocks in 35 minutes of action. He shot 11-of-14 (78.6%) from the floor, 7-of-8 (87.5%) from 3-point range, and 3-of-4 (75%) at the foul line.
Rui Hachimura was π₯ last night:
β 32 PTS
β 10 REB
β 11-14 FG
β 7-8 3PHis effective FG percentage was 103.6%, the sixth-highest such figure in NBA history by a player in a 30-point, 10-rebound game.
Thereβs much more in todayβs free game notes: https://t.co/wXaeI7IxXp pic.twitter.com/hp0l1eUeSn
β Justin Kubatko (@jkubatko) March 28, 2024
The Lakers were coming off a thrilling 128-124 double-overtime victory in Milwaukee without LeBron James on Tuesday night. It was Los Angelesβ fifth straight win to pull within 2 1/2 games of the No. 6-seeded Dallas Mavericks.
James registered his fourth triple-double of the season with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists against Memphis. The four-time MVP has been impressed by Hachimuraβs performances in the second half of the season.
Rui Hachimura is averaging career highs in effective field goal percentage, true shooting percentage
βVery comfortable,β James said of Hachimuraβs play since Hachimura became the starting small forward on Feb. 3. βHe knows where his shots are coming from. He knows heβs going to be on the floor. And he knows heβs going to get minutes.
βGives us another big body, another athletic wing out there. When we downsize, a night like tonight, we had to play small at times, me and him, we can switch some things and still be able to clean glass. So heβs been very key for our success since he got here.β
Through 59 games (30 starts) this season, Hachimura is averaging 13.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 26.2 minutes per game while shooting a career-best 53.3% from the field and 42.3% from deep.
Rui Hachimura spoke with @LakersReporter following his 32-point performance against the Grizzlies. pic.twitter.com/CPxk7hQVWd
β Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 28, 2024
His effective field goal percentage (60.5%), true shooting percentage (62.4%), and win shares (3.2) are all career highs. The forwardβs 3-point shooting percentage ranks 13th in the NBA this…