Rui Hachimura enjoyed an encouraging first game with the Los Angeles Clippers, scoring 21 points in a 104-101 preseason victory over the Golden State Warriors in Honolulu on Sunday.
Hachimura shot 8-of-11 from the field and 4-of-5 from three-point range, showing the offensive aggression that Tyronn Lue wants from him as he adjusts to his new team.
“It felt good. You know, this is a new system for me, new team, a lot of new faces, coaches, coaching staff,” Hachimura said. “But overall, I think we did what we want to do.”
The Clippers emphasized ball movement during their preparation for the game, and Hachimura felt the team executed that aspect well against Golden State.
“Offensively, we were pretty good, sharing the ball, making the right plays,” Hachimura said. “Defensively, we played really good, especially against Golden State, you know, Steph and all that.”
Hachimura also received a strong reception from the Honolulu crowd when he was introduced as a starter. The Japanese forward said the atmosphere reflected the large Japanese community in Hawaii as well as his existing connection to the West Coast.
“It’s Hawaii, Japan. All Japanese people here,” Hachimura said. “Especially I’ve been in the West Coast for a long time, too. A lot of West Coast people here and yeah, there’s a lot of fans here. So, yeah, it was love.”
Hachimura was also happy to see Yuki Kawamura receive a warm reception from the crowd. Kawamura played four minutes and made one of two free throws.
“I was happy for him,” Hachimura said. “I think he did what he needed to do in the minute. It was a short time, but I think you get more chances. He has to find his role, position and he’ll be fine.”
Hachimura has already discussed his role with Lue and the Clippers coaching staff, particularly regarding his offensive responsibilities.
“I know that’s what I do,” Hachimura said. “With the new team and Ty and the coaching staff, they’ve been communicating with me how much they want me to be aggressive, especially on the offense side.”
He added that the coaching staff has worked with him on the types of plays and shots that suit his game.
“We talk about what’s the plays and stuff, the things I like, the things I don’t like,” Hachimura said. “They’ve been good with that. That’s why they’re making the right plays. I got easy shots. So, yeah, it was on them.”
Hachimura also believes his experience helped him quickly adapt to Lue’s system. The 28-year-old has now played for several NBA teams and has postseason experience entering his eighth season.
“I think those are important, quick learner,” Hachimura said. “I like to learn from him a lot of stuff and I’m excited for that.”
The system’s emphasis on pace also appeals to Hachimura. He highlighted Lue’s desire for the Clippers to push the ball after securing rebounds.
“I like how we move the ball, quick,” Hachimura said. “He wants us to push the ball. I get the rebound, I can push the ball easy.”
For Hachimura, the early goal is simple: help his teammates and create opportunities for each other.
“It’s more so playing for each other,” he said. “We have to help each other to score. Those are things that we’ve been working on, and today I think it was working.”
