Japanese forward Yuta Watanabe made his second NBA appearance on Wednesday in the Memphis Grizzlies' 116-113 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Watanabe did not score but blocked a shot and grabbed two rebounds in 7 minutes and 46 seconds of playing time as the Grizzlies handed the Bucks their first home loss of the season.

[Getty/Kyodo]

Memphis improved to 8-5 and currently sits in fifth place in the Western Conference.

"It was an excellent victory for the team," Watanabe said. "I think it's important to gain experience, so I'm studying what I can't do and then I'll reflect on it and take what I learned into the next game."

The 24-year-old rookie showcased his defensive prowess soon after checking into the game late in the first quarter, blocking a layup attempt by veteran Turkish forward Ersan Ilyasova from behind. He attempted one shot, a three-pointer, in the second quarter.

Watanabe recorded two points and two rebounds in his NBA debut against the Phoenix Suns last month. He is the second Japanese player to appear in the world's premier basketball league, following Yuta Tabuse in 2004.

In July, Watanabe earned a two-way contract with the Grizzlies and their minor league team, the Memphis Hustle. Under the contract, Watanabe is eligible to spend up to 45 days with the Grizzlies.

He has averaged 11.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in four NBA G League games for the Hustle.