Washington Wizards: 5 Best Games from Rui Hachimura’s Rookie Season

Game Score: 110-106 win over the Brooklyn Nets
Game Stats: 27 Mins, 17 Points, 6-10 FG, 60 FG%, 2-2 3 PT, 100 3PT%, 3-5 FT, 60 FT%, 4 Rebounds, 0 Assists, 0 Blocks, 0 Steals, 3 PF, 2 Turnover, +/- 0

Even though the Wizards were not fighting for much this year, this win against the Nets had some playoff implications. Washington won the first matchup 113-107 and they were looking to go 2-0 in the regular-season series. The Wizards were on the outside looking in on the playoff race at this point, so this win was big in helping them keep pace with the Nets, who were the seventh seed at the time.

Hachimura only played 27 minutes but was instrumental in helping the Wizards take down the Nets in regulation, 110-106. In less than 30 minutes of play, Rui had 17 points and four rebounds. He shot 6-10 from the field, 2-2 from the three-point line, and 3-5 from the charity stripe. Rui found his rhythm early in the game by attacking the basket as usual. He didn’t take many shot attempts but his overall shot selection was excellent. Hachimura rarely forces the issue offensively, and his patience was on full display in this one.

Mixing in post-ups with mid-range and long-range jumpers, Rui displayed an array of offensive tools. He finished the game with a 0 +/- rating but his impact on the game was more noticeable on film. His hustle and heart may not always show up in the boxscore but it’s always evident on the tape.