After admitting they didn’t match the Wolves physicality in Game 1, the Lakers answered the bell in Game 2. The result was a grueling back-and-forth battle that featured 46 total fouls, 45 free throw attempts and one possibly broken nose.
In the first quarter, Rui Hachimura took a shot to the face and immediately raced to the locker room while holding his nose. After spending a good chunk of the first half in the locker room, Rui emerged in a mask to re-enter the game.
He would eventually ditch his first clear mask for a second black one before playing 34 minutes on the night and most of the second half. After the game, head coach JJ Redick commended Rui while also providing an update.
Redick said that Rui will likely have postgame X-rays after getting hit in the face in the 1Q and finishing tonight’s game in a black mask. https://t.co/Fe3UHLzH6w
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) April 23, 2025
This isn’t the first time Rui has had to play in a mask. Last season, he also took a shot to the face that required him to play in a mask for an extended time. In fact, the mask he had during the second half looked very similar to the one he wore last season and likely was the same one.
It’s unlikely whatever injury Rui suffered will require him to miss time as he looked fine in Tuesday’s game. Defensively, he was elite and forced Julius Randle into a number of difficult shots. He played a huge role in the team having one of their best showings on defense this season.
He’ll be an important part of the team moving forward. Perhaps the team can put out a lineup with both he and Jordan Goodwin and call it their superhero lineup.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
