Yuki Kawamura made his first ever game of the season and it is something that people will never forget. The Japanese guard was signed by the Chicago Bulls during summer and impressed for them during the pre-season. He also instantly built chemistry with his teammates.
He got waived before the season started and only now the people learned the reason behind. Coach Billy Donovan said it is because of the blood clot found on his body, making him unable to play for a long time.
He returned early in January but has to work his way up in the roster.
He got that chance on Saturday when the team decided to not play main point guards Josh Giddey and Coby White. He usually plays garbage minutes but he got meaningful minutes this time.
He made sure he seized the chance as he provided the Bulls momentum-shifting hustle plays. He finished with 6 points on 2 out of 4 shots from three three point line, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Bulls won the game by 7 points, 125-118.
One of those steals led to one of the best highlights of the NBA season.
Yuki Kawamura forces the jumpball.
Yuki Kawamura wins the jumpball!“HE WON THE TIP, HE WON THE TIP!”
Hilarious moment in South Beach 🤣 pic.twitter.com/dE4MzAeRWx
— NBA (@NBA) February 1, 2026
His hustle got the internet cheering.
YUKI IS EVERYWHERE 🇯🇵
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 1, 2026
watching yuki kawamura play meaningful NBA minutes. maybe there is hope in this world
— Molly Morrison (@mollyhannahm) February 1, 2026
Yuki Kawamura, listed at 5’8, won a jump ball —
This is awesome. 🤣🔥
(h/t @MrBuckBuckNBA)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 1, 2026
Yuki Kawamura savors first meaningful minutes, jump win
Kawamura, the shortest player in the NBA this season, is a fan favorite now and is loving the moment. He had two firsts during the game. One is he got to play meaningful minutes at last.
“That feels so good. It was my first time playing in clutch time in the NBA,” Kawamura said post-game.
“I felt so amazing. I got locked in.”
His jump-ball win against 6’5 Kasparas Jakučionis is also his first ever.
“It was my first win since I started basketball. I’m so happy.”
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