Wizards’ Rui Hachimura records double-double in return to Japan

The Washington Wizards lost both exhibition games against the Golden State Warriors in Japan, but Rui Hachimura shined for the fans in his home country.

Hachimura was arguably the most impressive Wizard on the overseas preseason trip. After scoring 13 points and grabbing nine rebounds in Washington’s loss Friday, the 24-year-old forward recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds on Sunday. 

He led the Wizards in rebounding for both games — losses by scores of 96-87 and 104-95, respectively — and the only player to score more points than Hachimura across the two games was Kristaps Porzingis, who tallied 25 total points. 

Hachimura made multiple challenging shots on Sunday, including two impressive buckets over Golden State’s Andrew Wiggins. 

SHEESH, RUI 🤯#NBAJapanGames | @rui_8mura pic.twitter.com/22abMQZk2J

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) October 2, 2022

TALK TO ’EM, RUI 🗣#NBAJapanGames | @rui_8mura pic.twitter.com/tThMxqmzvP

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) October 2, 2022

“First of all, it was a special moment for me, this team, this country,” Hachimura told reporters after the game Sunday about playing in Japan. “I’m so glad to have made this trip. As a team, it was a great five days. Of course, the games and stuff, but outside the games, we did a lot of different stuff. I was able to share my culture and how beautiful this country is to my teammates.”