Kawamura Yuki's return to the court after suffering from a left shoulder injury marked a significant moment for the Memphis Grizzlies during their recent victory over the Dallas Mavericks. On January 6, 2025, at FedExForum, Kawamura entered the game late in the first quarter, eager to contribute to his team's efforts amid injury woes.
After being sidelined due to left shoulder pain since the New Year's Day game against the Phoenix Suns, Kawamura's comeback was highly anticipated. He had previously showcased his talent, scoring ten points against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which was his career high to date. Nevertheless, the left shoulder injury prompted concerns about the severity of his condition. The Grizzlies confirmed the injury as a "left shoulder sprain" just two days earlier, on January 4, bringing relief to fans who feared the worst.
The return game against the Mavericks provided not only a chance for Kawamura to showcase his skills but also for the beleaguered Grizzlies to halt their losing streak. The Mavericks entered the match after five consecutive defeats without key players Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, which might have offered some advantage to the Grizzlies.
When Kawamura stepped onto the court at the 4:54 mark of the first quarter, he was received with roaring applause from fans, signaling the excitement surrounding his comeback. His first contribution came almost instantly; he assisted teammate Jalen Wells on a pivotal three-point play, showcasing his court vision right after entering.
Despite this encouraging start, Kawamura faced some challenges. A few moments later, he attempted his first shot—a long-range three-pointer—which unfortunately did not find its mark. Shortly thereafter, he fouled twice within quick succession, leading to his early return to the bench, marking the end of his playing time for the first half.
Overall, Kawamura recorded 2 minutes and 18 seconds on the court, finishing the game with 1 assist, 1 rebound, and no points, reflecting the limited opportunity due to fouls and the team's strategic moves as they sought to maintain control of the game without risking injury. His net plus-minus during his brief spell was +1, indicating he assisted the team's momentum during those moments.
Back on the bench, Kawamura observed as the Grizzlies initially struggled, falling behind by ten points. Yet, the team quickly rallied, reversing the scoreline to lead by one point at halftime, 56-55. They maintained their momentum through the second half, finally triumphing with a 119-104 score—a much-needed victory to arrest their prior struggles.
The match itself was significant not only for Kawamura's return but also for the players stepping up during injuries. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 35 points, and Scottie Pippen Jr. and Wells also contributed significantly, each adding to the victory. Coach Taylor Jenkins expressed praise for the team's resilience and emphasized the importance of Kawamura's presence as they navigate injuries.
Looking forward, Kawamura's next challenge includes continuing to secure his place on the roster with limited games available for two-way contract players. He has the opportunity to play up to 50 games at the NBA level, with 24 remaining as the season progresses. This situation adds urgency for Kawamura to display his skills whenever on the floor and make a stronger case for his future with the Grizzlies.
While his return came with mixed results from the performance standpoint, the emotional uplift from fans and the team could not be understated. The mere presence of Kawamura back on the court is seen as beneficial, embodying hope and potential recovery as the Grizzlies look to solidify their season amid injuries.
Moving beyond this game, the Grizzlies' ability to adapt and grow with incoming players like Kawamura could set the tone for the remainder of the season as they aim for stability and competitive placement within the NBA. With upcoming matches against challengers like Houston Rockets on January 10, they will need all players at their peak to secure their positioning moving forward.