Yuta Watanabe, who transferred from the Suns to the Grizzlies this month in the NBA (American professional basketball), played in his first game against the Pelicans on the 12th and scored 11 points, matching his career high this season.
This month, midway through the season, Watanabe was traded from the Suns to his old team, the Grizzlies, where he made his NBA debut in 2018. On the 12th, Watanabe played in the game against the Pelicans in his home base of Memphis, after being transferred midway through the first quarter. It was my first time participating.
He only recorded one rebound in the first half and took four shots, including three three-pointers, but none of them were converted.
He then dribbled in late in the third quarter to score his first point of the game and also made a 3-pointer.
He played just over 11 minutes in the fourth quarter and scored six points, and played a total of 25 minutes in the game, matching his career high with 11 points this season.
Watanabe showed his presence offensively and defensively, recording two rebounds, two steals, and one assist, but he lost the game 87-96 and was unable to win his first game back to his old team.
The Grizzlies have lost nine straight and their overall record is 18 wins and 36 losses.
Watanabe: ``100 points except for three points''
Yuta Watanabe made his first appearance after transferring to his old team, the Grizzlies, and although they lost the game, he tenaciously suppressed the opponent's main forces with his defense and contributed to the team's catch-up in the final stages with his specialty three-point shots.
In an interview after the match, Watanabe said, ``I had to earn my playing time, so I got stiff in the first half, but I was able to enter the second half thinking I was going to have fun.It was an opportunity that changed the flow of the game. I think it's great to be able to be one of them.This is a game that will lead me to the next one,'' he said, seeming to be feeling the impact.
He added, ``I don't think I was beaten one-on-one defensively,'' and added, ``Normally I'm strict with myself, but today I was a little lenient and said I could score 100 points except for three points.'' I think so," he said with a smile.
Looking forward, he said, ``Right now, my top priority is what I need to do to help this team win.I'm looking forward to the future because I believe I can once again do well in this world.'' I was there.