Kyoto Hannaryz guard Yuta Okada in action against the Koshigaya Alphas on December 21 in Koshigaya, Saitama Prefecture. (©B.LEAGUE)
Read the full story on SportsLook - Yuta Okada Providing a Big Offensive Spark for the Kyoto Hannaryz
Kyoto Hannaryz guard Yuta Okada doesn't play in one of Japan's biggest media markets, but throughout the country, B.League fans are familiar with his talent and productivity.
Okada had back-to-back games on Saturday and Sunday, December 21 and 22 that were a King Kong-size reminder of his ability to impact a basketball game.
The Kyoto native scored a game-high 33 points in the series opener against the Koshigaya Alphas in the Hannaryz's 92-84 road victory. He made 11 of 19 shots from the floor, including 5 of 9 on 3-point attempts, and handed out three assists.
The score was knotted at 65-65 entering the fourth quarter. Kyoto outscored the hosts 27-15 in the final period, including nine points from Okada.
After the game, Kyoto coach Roy Rana told reporters that Okada's banner performance was a key factor in the win. Most notably, Okada poured in 18 of the Hannaryz's 37 points in the second quarter. He made 7 of 8 shots in the high-paced period.
"I'm glad we were able to win the game even though the flow of the game was not good at times," Okada said in the postgame press conference.
Determination Pays Off for Yuta Okada
What was the catalyst for Okada in the series opener?
"I missed a layup at the beginning of the game, and I felt like I was going to do the opposite," he admitted. "So I became aggressive and attacked."
With Okada as one of the team's tone-setting performers, the Hannaryz closed out the game with a strong effort in the final 10 minutes.
"In the fourth quarter, we were able to do what we needed to do, mentally and calmly," Rana said at Koshigaya City Gymnasium. "And I think Okada's good performance throughout the game also contributed to this result."
Another Big Game for Yuta Okada
Okada followed up his series-opening performance with 30 points, leading all players in that category in Kyoto's 96-80 triumph a day later. He sank 3 of 6 from long range, and he converted 11 of 12 foul shots, capitalizing on the scoring opportunities he had.
The 189-cm combo guard is a crucial part of the Hannaryz's improved play this season. Through Sunday, Kyoto and the Osaka Evessa are tied for the third-best record (13-11) in the Western Conference. The Shimane Susanoo Magic (15-9) and the Ryukyu Golden Kings (17-7) are ahead of them in the win department.
Continue reading the full story on SportsLook.
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Author: Ed Odeven
Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.
