Washington Wizards rookie Rui Hachimura set a new career-high Sunday night after scoring 30 points during a 150-125 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
But, perhaps most impressive, is the praise he earned from a few superstars.
Hachimura snapped out of a recent cold streak as the Wizards faced the two teams based in Los Angeles. On Friday, Hachimura recorded 16 points before going off for his first 30-point performance.
The first-round pick finished 13-of-23 from the field, including 2-of-5 from 3-point range, while adding nine rebounds and three assists. The outing was even more impressive considering the Clippers are 10th in defense.
Paul George and Kawhi Leonard took notice of his game on Sunday:
Paul George on Rui Hachimura: "He's a good rookie, a really good rookie. It was great to see him for the first time. We've seen a lot of rookies now, but he definitely stood out as one of the better players and one of the best players in the long run, in his class."
— Mirjam Swanson (@MirjamSwanson) December 2, 2019
Kawhi Leonard on facing Rui Hachimura, who admires Kawhi:
"He's good. He's very fundamentally sound. He has the tools to get to his spots. Once he gets more games under his belt, and finds his attack spots, he can only get better." #Clippers #Wizards pic.twitter.com/eHujFf5HBC
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) December 2, 2019
The breakthrough for Hachimura was certainly a positive for the rookie after a recent shooting slump. Hachimura has struggled at times with consistency issues this season and has played sporadically as a result. Once he can find ways to contribute on a nightly basis, Hachimura could have a bright future in the league.
George and Leonard certainly think so…
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