Basketball

[ODDS and EVENS] Yuki Kawamura Treasures First NBA Career Points

In his sixth NBA game, Grizzlies guard Yuki Kawamura entered the record book with his first points, making a pair of free throws against the Lakers.

by
Ed Odeven
November 8, 2024

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."

Kawamura described the game ball as "his treasure," according to published reports.

In limited playing time so far this season with the Grizzlies (5-4), Kawamura has impressed the organization with his work ethic and commitment to his craft. The 5-foot-8 guard did the same thing during training camp and in preseason games.

Kawamura, 23, will likely have ample opportunities to receive extended playing time with the Memphis Hustle, the team's NBA G League affiliate.

The G League season gets underway on Saturday, November 9.

Playing for the Grizzlies and the Hustle will keep him busy and focused on his continued maturation as a pro basketball player.

It's nice to see his Grizzlies teammates encouraging him and getting fired up for him to achieve something special.

After all, scoring points in the NBA, the best basketball league in the world, is a goal of every player with an opportunity to join one of its teams.

Encouraging Yuki Kawamura to Score

Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, a two-time All-Star, insisted Wednesday night was Kawamura's time to enter the record book as an NBA player with points scored.

In the fourth quarter, Morant delivered the following message to Kawamura: "It's time for you to score," The Sporting News reported.

How did Kawamura react to Morant's words and his teammates' encouragement?

"I'm glad I was able to live up to their expectations," he said, according to The Sporting News.

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.