Memphis Grizzlies guard Yuki Kawamura in action as Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James defends in the fourth quarter on November 6 in Memphis, Tennessee. (©AP/via KYODO)
Read the full story on SportsLook - [ODDS and EVENS] Yuki Kawamura Treasures First NBA Career Points
You can say two points is only two points. But for Yuki Kawamura, his scoring output on Wednesday, November 6 represents a big milestone.
In a home game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Kawamura scored the first points of his NBA career. Awarded a trip to the free-throw line with 34 seconds remaining, Kawamura sank two foul shots in the Memphis Grizzlies' 131-114 victory.
It was the sixth NBA game during the 2024-25 season in which Kawamura received court time. He entered the game with 1:56 remaining and the Grizzlies holding a 127-109 lead.
Sixteen seconds after entering the game, the former Yokohama B-Corsairs standout missed a fadeaway jumper.
Shortly thereafter, he was fouled by Lakers rookie Bronny James.
After the final buzzer sounded, Kawamura's teammates made sure that it was a basketball contest that he'll always remember. He was presented with a game ball that was autographed by all of the Grizzlies players.
"We're all really happy for him," Grizzlies center Jay Huff said, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal. "That's just such a great feeling. I remember when I got the game ball after scoring my first points. It was a really cool souvenir. I held on to it for probably the whole 24 hours, it felt like."
Added Huff, "For him to get those [points], I think it's really great. I was hoping the fadeaway would've fallen, but any way you can get your first NBA points, it's awesome. We're proud of him."
Yuki Kawamura Expresses Gratitude for His Teammates
After Memphis' runaway victory over Los Angeles, a game that Lakers forward Rui Hachimura missed due to an illness, Kawamura spoke to reporters about its significance for him.
The 2022-23 B.League MVP highlighted his trip to the foul line in his postgame remarks.
"It was a special moment," Kawamura was quoted as saying by the Memphis Commercial Appeal. "I would like to thank everyone who's involved with the Memphis Grizzlies organization, [and] I couldn't have done it without them. Grizzlies fans, my teammates, my coaching staff, everyone, I want to thank."
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.
