“Grizzlies can’t even pretend to be a likable team” – Desmond Bane’s UNNECESSARY JIBE at Rui Hachimura has NBA fans fuming

Desmond Bane challenges Rui Hachimura after his career-best playoff game

“Grizzlies can’t even pretend to be a likable team” – Desmond Bane’s UNNECESSARY JIBE at Rui Hachimura has NBA fans fuming

Grizzlies' Desmond Bane (L) and Lakers' Rui Hachimura (R)

Rui Hachimura was the unexpected star of Game 1 between the Lakers and the Grizzlies on Sunday, scoring a playoff career-high 29 points on 11-of-14 shooting, including 5-of-6 from three-point range. The Japanese forward came off the bench and provided a huge spark for the Lakers, who won 128-112 on the road to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Hachimura, who was traded to the Lakers from the Wizards in February, showed his versatility and confidence on both ends of the floor. He also grabbed seven rebounds and dished out three assists, while playing well alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves.

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However, not everyone was impressed by Hachimura’s performance. Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane, who had a solid game himself with 15 points and four rebounds, threw some shade at Hachimura in his postgame remarks.

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“It’s probably the best game of his career,” Bane said. “It’s a seven-game series. Let’s see if he can do it again Wednesday.“

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Desmond Bane’s unnecessary jibe at Rui Hachimura has NBA fans fuming

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Laker’s Rui Hachimura (Via Twitter)

Bane’s comments did not go unnoticed by NBA fans, who took to Twitter to express their displeasure with his attitude and lack of respect for Hachimura. Some fans pointed out that Bane was part of the Grizzlies’ defense that gave Hachimura too much space to shoot, while others reminded him that Hachimura had proven himself as a playoff performer before.

This was not the first time that Hachimura had a big game in the postseason. He has been improving his playoff scoring average every year since he entered the league in 2019. In his rookie season with the Wizards, he averaged 13.2 points per game in five games against the Sixers in the first round. In his second season with the Wizards, he averaged 14.8 points per game in four games against the Nets in the first round and in his third season with the Lakers, he has already surpassed his previous playoff career-high with 29 points in Game 1 against the Grizzlies.

Hachimura has clearly shown that he can step up his game when it matters most. He has also shown that he can play well alongside stars like James and Davis, as well as role players like Reaves and Dwight Howard. He has become a valuable piece for the Lakers.

Bane’s challenge may backfire on him and his team if Hachimura continues to play at a high level. The Lakers have already taken home-court advantage from the Grizzlies with their Game 1 win, and they will look to extend their lead on Wednesday. Hachimura will have another opportunity to prove Bane wrong and help his team move closer to the second round.

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