NBA's shortest player Yuki Kawamura reacts to Ja Morant's shoutout after scoring first NBA points
Yuki Kawamura scored his first NBA points on Wednesday during the Memphis Grizzlies' 131-114 blowout win over the LA Lakers. The 5-foot-8 guard, the league's shortest player, tallied his first points in his sixth appearance for the Grizzlies.
Kawamura’s maiden points didn’t come from a lay-up, mid-range jumper or 3-pointer, but from the free-throw line. Guarded by Lakers rookie Bronny James, Kawamura was fouled and confidently sank both of his free throws.
Watching from just outside the tunnel, Ja Morant was hyped as the young Japanese guard recorded his first points. After the game, Morant reacted to a video of Kawamura’s free throws with a single word.
"yuuuuu," Morant wrote.
The Grizzlies rookie responded to his superstar's shoutout with a simple emoji reply. Kawamura finished the game with two points after playing just under two minutes.
Kawamura felt humbled after scoring his first NBA points and receiving the game ball from his teammates. Following the game, the Japanese guard expressed gratitude to the organization for the opportunity and to his teammates for their support.
"It was a special moment," said Kawamura. "I would like to thank everyone who's involved with the Memphis Grizzlies organization. I couldn't have done it without them. Grizzlies fans, my teammates, my coaching staff, everyone, I want to thank."
Meanwhile, Morant was forced to exit the game early after he suffered an hamstring injury. The Grizzlies superstar dropped a stat line of 20 points, four rebounds, five assists, one steal and a block, while he shot 7 of 17 from the field, including 2 of 3 from 3-point range.
Ja Morant on Yuki Kawamura
Ja Morant appears to have taken rookie Yuki Kawamura under his wing. The two have been seen bonding on the team bus and practicing together during training sessions. Recently, the Grizzlies superstar spoke about the positive impact Kawamura is having on the team.
“A lot of stuff he learns and he just say and it don’t be at the right moment,” Morant told DaMichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal. "But aye man, it’s Yuki. It’s his world and we’re just living in it.
"He just brings a light and joy to the team. Just making sure he’s as comfortable as possible. Just making sure that he’s being him, and he ain’t shying away from it at all."
Meanwhile, Morant has been ruled out of the Grizzlies' game against the Washington Wizards on Friday due to right hip soreness. Kawamura, however, is expected to see some playing time against the struggling Wizards.