Sunday was a big opportunity for Yuki Kawamura, and he took advantage of it.
The Grizzlies rested most of their key players for the final game of the regular season, and that meant a significant role for the Japanese phenom. He got the loudest cheer of any Grizzlies player and dazzled with a highlight-reel assist in the second quarter where he threw a pass backwards over his head to a streaking Marvin Bagley III for an easy basket.
Kawamura set career-highs in points (12), assists (5) and rebounds (5) as the Grizzlies cruised to a 132-97 win.
The Grizzlies knew pregame that they were headed to the play-in tournament, so they chose to rest seven players. That included Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Though he’s barely played, Kawamura has been a fan favorite all season and has drawn “we want Yuki” chants in blowout games. He’s on a two-way contract and was effective when he played for the Memphis Hustle of the G League.
Yuki Kawamura stats vs. Mavericks
Minutes: 28:05
Points: 12
FG: 3-for-8
3PT: 3-for-7
FT: 3-for-3
Rebounds: 5
Assists: 5
Steals: 1
Blocks: 0
Turnovers: 1
Fouls: 1
Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at [email protected] or on X @thejonahdylan.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Yuki Kawamura points tonight: Memphis Grizzlies vs Mavericks matchup
Sunday was a big opportunity for Yuki Kawamura, and he took advantage of it.
The Grizzlies rested most of their key players for the final game of the regular season, and that meant a significant role for the Japanese phenom. He got the loudest cheer of any Grizzlies player and dazzled with a highlight-reel assist in the second quarter where he threw a pass backwards over his head to a streaking Marvin Bagley III for an easy basket.
Kawamura set career-highs in points (12), assists (5) and rebounds (5) as the Grizzlies cruised to a 132-97 win.
The Grizzlies knew pregame that they were headed to the play-in tournament, so they chose to rest seven players. That included Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Though he’s barely played, Kawamura has been a fan favorite all season and has drawn “we want Yuki” chants in blowout games. He’s on a two-way contract and was effective when he played for the Memphis Hustle of the G League.
Yuki Kawamura stats vs. Mavericks
Minutes: 28:05
Points: 12
FG: 3-for-8
3PT: 3-for-7
FT: 3-for-3
Rebounds: 5
Assists: 5
Steals: 1
Blocks: 0
Turnovers: 1
Fouls: 1
Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at [email protected] or on X @thejonahdylan.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Yuki Kawamura points tonight: Memphis Grizzlies vs Mavericks matchup
