Why is Rui Hachimura wearing a mask in Timberwolves-Lakers Game 2? 

Rui Hachimura headed to the locker room in the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. the LA Lakers Game 2 on Tuesday. After the Lakers got a hot start with an 18-8 lead, Hachimura went down with a facial injury after Naz Reid inadvertently hit him. The Lakers forward headed to the locker room after falling to the ground for treatment.

Here's the video:

The Lakers extended their lead to 15 (25-10) into the timeout following Hachimura's exit.

Hachimura returned with over six minutes left in the game. He was wearing a mask upon his return after taking a shot to the face. The Lakers had a 20-point lead at the time, while others held the fort on defense after missing Hachimura's size and length.

Rui Hachimura displays two-way excellence despite face injury as Lakers win Game 2

Rui Hachimura came up big for the Lakers on both ends despite his early injury concerns. Hachimura tallied 11 points, five rebounds, two steals, and a block, shooting 4 of 9. He was 3 of 3 from the free-throw line.

Hachimura hit timely shots and was consistently solid on defense against every player he guarded during the contest. His return was critical for the Lakers to secure the win because of how well he played. Though Hachimura missed his three 3-pointers of the night, his ability to stretch the floor allowed the Lakers to draw Rudy Gobert out of the paint.

LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic benefited from it as it opened the driving lanes for them. The Lakers won 94-85, holding the Timberwolves to 32 fewer points than Game 1.