On December 15, 2024, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a 116-110 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Crypto.com Arena, marking their 14th win of the season. The match was highly anticipated as it presented the possibility of a direct face-off between the two Japanese players, Rui Hachimura of the Lakers and Yuki Kawamura of the Grizzlies. Unfortunately for fans, Kawamura was inactive for the game, preventing the clash from materializing.
Hachimura had another solid showing, playing the longest time on the team at 37 minutes and 43 seconds, contributing 8 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, and 1 steal. Despite only making 2 of his 5 field goal attempts, he was instrumental on defense, making impactful plays.
The first quarter saw the Lakers jump to an early lead, with impressive performances from their stars, especially LeBron James, who returned from injury, and Anthony Davis. James scored 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, playing a key role alongside Davis who dominated the court with 40 points and 16 rebounds.
The Lakers initially led by as much as 23 points, taking advantage of the Grizzlies' mistakes which highlighted their 20 turnovers and poor shooting percentage of 39.2% throughout the match.
"We did everything we could to secure this win," said Lakers coach JJ Redick, emphasizing the team's defensive adjustments as they maintained control through the game.
During the second quarter, Hachimura showcased his defensive prowess with a series of blocks and assists, including one prominent block leading to a fast-break layup for his team. His skill set was critically acclaimed as he engaged actively on both ends of the floor.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies, led by Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant, struggled to convert on scoring opportunities. Jackson finished with 25 points, and Morant added 20 to the total but could not rally the team to victory.
Hachimura's and Kawamura's matchup had been anticipated throughout the season, as this was already the third meeting between the teams, and the previous games had also not featured both players on the court at the same time. Their absence from direct confrontation marked the game as another missed opportunity for fans hoping to see the two Japanese talents go head-to-head.
After halftime, even with Davis's injury scare causing him to briefly leave the game, the Lakers held their ground. Davis returned to prevent any threats from the Grizzlies to turn the game around.
Hachimura continued to provide valuable contributions, showcasing his improving skills. After only scoring 1 point via free throws in the first quarter, he made several impactful plays leading to his final 8 points scored by the end of the game, including efficiently capitalizing on fast breaks and obtaining offensive rebounds.
Post-game, the exhilaration and relief were evident as Hachimura engaged with teammates and fans, happy to contribute to the Lakers' victory. "I’m just grateful for the support and thrilled for our win tonight," he remarked following the game.
The Grizzlies, on the other hand, saw their four-game winning streak halted, dropping their record to 18-9 as the Lakers improved to 14-12. The defeat stressed the need for adjustment for the Grizzlies as they look toward their upcoming games.
Looking at the season's progression, the Lakers demonstrated resilience with the return of key players. The dynamics of the lineup are expected to shift more favorably now as they look to build momentum going forward.
Fans can anticipate another meeting between the two teams later this season, where the hope will be to finally enjoy the Japanese face-off everyone has been waiting for. Until then, each team will need to focus on their respective strategies to optimize their performances and secure wins.
This match was not just another game; it reflected the growing international influence of the NBA and the increasing visibility of Asian athletes on such platforms. Their performances continue to inspire many aspiring players back home.
Overall, the Lakers' victory against the Grizzlies highlighted their strengths and areas for improvement as they navigate through the NBA season, and sets the stage for exciting matchups to come.
