Watch Yuki Kawamura make his debut in Chicago

ByNBAUSA



The Chicago Bulls beat the Miami Heat 125-118 after Ayo Dosunmu’s 29 points, while as many as four players scored in double figures. Both Matas Bouzelis and Isaac Okoro scored more than 20 points, but significant attention also went to the Japanese international Yuki Kawamurawhich not only debuted but there are also some memorable moments throughout the game.

Kawamura returned from the game with six points, two assists and two steals in front of an enthusiastic visiting crowd at Kaseya Center. The Bulls reintroduced Kawamura on a two-way deal earlier this month after a preseason leg injury derailed his initial stint.

They signed him before the season, released him during training camp while he rehabbed, then brought him back when he was released. Saturday’s performance marked the first tangible return to that patience, and there was an immediate two-way impact.

Kawamura’s most decisive sequence came midway through the fourth quarter, when he relentlessly pressured Heat guard Kasparas Yakutsionis. Despite a significant lack of height, Kawamura forced a jump ball and then secured the top himself, a sequence that drew a lasting reaction from the crowd.

Bulls announcers Adam Amin and Stacey King also celebrated the play as it unfolded. Kawamura was on the pitch for just 11 minutes and the performance comes just days after the 24-year-old Japanese star revealed how difficult it is for him to recover from injury.

“Honestly, the rehab wasn’t easy. It was a long road. I found out I had a blood clot before the season started. Honestly, I felt really bad because I was really excited to play in Chicago. But I’m so happy to be here and super happy to be back on the court,” Kawamura he said per Yahoo Sports.

The performance may not suggest that Kawamura is ready for a bigger role. However, he looked comfortable despite playing in the NBA for the first time.





2026-02-01 05:28:00

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