Lakers’ Defensive Strategy Using Rui Hachimura On Nikola Jokic Worked Out Pretty Well In Game 1

Late in Game 1’s fourth quarter, Nikola Jokic was well-defended by Lakers’ Rui Hachimura. The switch on Jokic was part of the defensive game plan, according to Hachimura, even though the LA Lakers ultimately lost the opening game of the Western Conference finals.

Lakers’ Defensive Strategy Using Rui Hachimura On Nikola Jokic Worked Out Pretty Well

With little over three minutes remaining in the third quarter and the Lakers losing by 20 points, Rui Hachimura, who played less than 17 minutes a game in the Lakers’ previous series against the Warriors, entered the game. He helped the Lakers reduce the size of the Nuggets’ enormous advantage by playing the final 15 minutes in a row.

The game’s statistics for Hachimura were outstanding. He made 8 of 11 shots for 17 points in 28 minutes. However, his influence stretched well beyond the scoreboard.

He helped the Lakers make a defensive adjustment in the fourth quarter, and they will undoubtedly use it again in Game 2.

In the fourth, the Lakers went on a huge run to reduce the lead to three points as the game was drawing to a close. While LA’s offensive performance may be mostly blamed for this, the Lakers put in more effort on the defensive side.

The substitution of Rui Hachimura for Anthony Davis as Nikola Jokic’s one-on-one guard was a notable change.

Hachimura could be too little. Jokic was forced to work himself and make tougher shots due to his power and location, though. This also meant that “Joker” needed to be cautious around Davis, who was now defending the paint as an assistant defender.

Jokic produced a remarkable performance, scoring a triple-double of 34 points on just 17 shots.

Darvin Ham made the decision to branch out. With ten minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, he inserted Hachimura onto Davis. That proved to be a brilliant move.

Davis was given the opportunity to move about the paint as an assist in that matchup even though Jokic has a significant size advantage against Hachimura in the post. When facing off against Jokic, Hachimura did a great job, limiting him to a 1-of-3 shooting effort with three turnovers.

Hachimura talked about the defensive switch-up strategies after the game.

“It was a part of our game plan. We talked about it before the game, the coaches told me I was gonna guard Jokic. I think it was a pretty good plan and in the second half we did a good job on him.”

The LA Lakers now have a model to follow thanks to Hachimura’s efforts. The Lakers will have a lot to consider before contest 2 after the tense contest has come to an end.

 

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