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Yuki Kawamura Made NBA History in Debut Game

Memphis Grizzlies guard Yuki Kawamura made NBA history.

Joey Linn

Memphis Grizzlies guard Yuki Kawamura (17) dribbles during the second half against the Orlando Magic at FedExForum.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Yuki Kawamura (17) dribbles during the second half against the Orlando Magic at FedExForum. / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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The Memphis Grizzlies signed Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura to a two-way contract prior to the NBA season beginning. Promoting Scotty Pippen Jr. to a standard contract after Derrick Rose retired, the Grizzlies created a two-way opening that went to Kawamura.

While the 5-foot-8 guard does not project to play many NBA minutes, he is already a fan favorite. A superstar in Japan, Kawamura has a massive following that now also follows the Grizzlies.

Kawamura made his NBA debut on Friday night against the Houston Rockets, playing three minutes in the Grizzles’ 128-108 loss. Making his first appearance at home on Saturday against the Orlando Magic, Kawamura got a loud ovation.

Via Drew Hill of The Daily Memphian: "Good morning, Japan. The crowd in Memphis is going WILD for Yuki Kawamura's first appearance at FedExForum."

Friday's game was a history-making appearance for Kawamura, as the NBA shared he is just the fourth Japanese player to make their debut.

Via NBA Japan (translated to English by X): “The fourth Japanese player in the NBA is born 🇯🇵 🎉”

Kawamura shared an embrace with Grizzlies star Ja Morant after Saturday's game that he spoke about with reporters.

"It was a special moment," Kawamura said. "Ja is my great friend. He is my guy."

Kawamura is still looking for his first NBA points, having missed his first two field goal attempts. The Grizzlies' next game is against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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