The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves series sits at 1-1, following Game 2 in L.A. The physicality has been raised a notch as these two West foes battle it out. Rui Hachimura, the Lakers forward from Japan, suffered a hit to the face during Lakers’ 94-85 win against the Wolves.
After going to the locker room in the first half of Game 2, Hachimura came back with a protective mask, but ditched it moments later. Hachimura later returned sporting an all-black protective mask that he kept on for the entirety of the game.
Although missing some game time, Hachimura still managed to be effective. He posted 11 points, five rebounds, and two steals in the win. Through the first two games vs. Minnesota, Hachimura is averaging 10.0 points, five rebounds, and one assist in 32 minutes per game. As his injury raised concerns about his availability in Game 3, Lakers head coach JJ Redick cleared the air.
Coach Redick Gives an Update on Hachimura’s Status
According to ESPN’s reporter Dave McMenamin, Redick said Hachimura is “fine” and will wear a protective mask for precautionary reasons for a “little bit”. NBA Players have been known to detail how uncomfortable these protective masks are, with many opting to forgo wearing them despite the possibility of causing further injury damage. As for the Lakers, Hachimura is an integral part of their scheme on both ends of the floor.
JJ Redick says Rui Hachimura will wear a mask as a precaution for a “little bit” moving forward and is “fine” otherwise after being hit in the face in Game 2.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 24, 2025
The Lakers are at a size disadvantage against Minnesota, and Hachimura has been playing center heavily. He is one of the best defenders in their starting lineups. He dealt with Rudy Gobert well on defense. Even more vital is, he could switch onto Anthony Edwards and shut him off, something that is invaluable for the Lakers.
Hachimura’s three-level scoring and defensive versatility have been on display for L.A. since his arrival in 2023 and are vital if they want to move past Minnesota this round.
Timberwolves’ Stifling Defense and Physicality
The Lakers have faced off against the Wolves five times (three times in the regular season, twice in the NBA playoffs) already. Minnesota has held L.A. under 100 points 4-out-of-5 of those games. The Wolves defense has proved to be their strong suit in facing the two-headed superstar tandem in Luka Dončić, LeBron James and the rest of the Laker supporting cast.
LeBron James told reporters after Tuesday night: “If you not dog a– tired after this game, or after any of these games, you didn’t give it all you had,” detailing the level of exertion that is needed to be victorious against this Minnesota team led by Anthony Edwards.
With the series all knotted at 1 apiece, the action now shifts to Minneapolis, where the teams will face off again in a packed house in the Target Center on Friday night.
