Grizzlies guard challenges Game 1 star Rui Hachimura

Rui Hachimura Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Grizzlies guard challenges surprise Game 1 star Rui Hachimura

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 4/16/23

Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane has issued a challenge to one of his opponents.

The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Grizzlies 128-112 in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Sunday. Rui Hachimura was the star of the game.

The Lakers forward shot 11/14 in the game and went 5/6 on three-pointers. No player on either team shot better. But Bane does not think Hachimura can repeat the performance.

Desmond Bane on Rui Hachimura: “It’s probably the best game of his career. It’s a seven-game series. Let’s see if he can do it again Wednesday.”

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 16, 2023

“It’s probably the best game of his career. It’s a seven-game series. Let’s see if he can do it again (in Game 2 on) Wednesday,” Bane said after the Game 1 loss, via ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.

Bane’s point is well taken. It would be tough for anyone to repeat that showing. But he forgets that some of his teammates, such as Jaren Jackson Jr. (13/21 for 31 points), also shot very well in the contest.

The end result, regardless of the chatter, was a Game 1 home loss for the Grizzlies. Factor in that Ja Morant suffered a hand injury in the defeat and Memphis finds itself in a tough spot, even if Hachimura settles down as the series wears on.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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