Wizards, to which NBA = American professional basketball player Rui Hachimura belongs, will face the first round of the playoffs from the 23rd, and will face 76ers, who is ranked first in the Eastern Conference.
Wizards won the playoff advancement match against the Pacers on the 20th, and Hachimura, who is in the second year of NBA, will be the first Japanese player to enter the playoffs.
The opponent in the first playoff round is 76ers, who is No. 1 in the Eastern Conference, and Wizards, who is No. 8 in the conference, is a tough opponent who lost all three times in the regular season.
In particular, the opponent Joel Embiid is allowed an average of 30 points and 9.7 rebounds in three direct confrontation games, and how to stop Embiid, who is also the final candidate for this season's MVP and MVP. It seems to be the key.
On the other hand, Wizards is expected to inspire Hachimura, whose score source Bradley Beal has scored an average of 36.7 points in the three direct confrontation games, and with the success of the beer player, the average score is only 8.5 points. ..
The first playoff match between Wizards and 76ers will take place in Philadelphia, the home of the opponent, with the team that wins the first four to advance to the next semifinal.
The person in charge of the commentary "Hachimura has the ability to become a star"
Justin Katcher of NBC Sports, who plays the game in Washington, the home of Wizards, describes Rui Hachimura's second year as "growing with every play."
Mr. Katcher, who is in charge of the live performance in the Wizards home game, has been playing live with the decision "Konichiha, base!" When Hachimura decided to dunk from last season, and it has become familiar to Japanese fans. I will.
Mr. Katcher warned that his opponent, 76ers, in the first playoff round "has the power to win the most balanced team in the NBA."
On top of that, regarding this season's player Hachimura, "I've started to show more aggressive play, such as the scene of attacking with dribbling, and I'm also showing play that I have never seen from time to time. He is a star player in the league. I have the ability to become a person. "
Regarding the background, he mentioned the existence of Russell Westbrook, a commander who joined the team from this season, and Bradley Beal, an ace. Beal teaches him to speak calmly. Learning from two star players with different personalities is of great significance to Hachimura. "
He expected further growth, saying, "A tough match like the playoffs cannot grow without experience. Experience a lot of these matches will lead to confidence."
By the way, regarding the origin of "Konichiha, base!", When Hachimura asked, "If you play big, you can use the word" hello "", he agreed. I'm using it. Just as Shohei Ohtani of the major leagues is called "Otanisan" in the actual situation, "Konichiha" is just right for me, "he said with a smile.