Isaiah Thomas Makes Cleveland Debut

Isaiah Thomas made his long-awaited Cleveland Cavaliers debut on Tuesday night. The former Boston Celtics guard took part in the 127 – 110 victory over Portland Trail Blazers.

Thomas played for 19 minutes overall. He scored 17 points, which came from 6-for-12 shooting. He also made 3 assists.

Isaiah Thomas has been sidelined with a hip injury since last May. He was part of the deal that saw Kyrie Irving go the opposite direction to Boston.

LeBron James was Cleveland’s standout attacker on the night. He scored 24 points, made 8 assists and 6 rebounds. James was one of 6 Cavs players to reach double figures in the game, with Kevin Love scoring 19 points. Love also made 7 rebounds.

Portland’s Damian Lillard lead the scoring with 25 after a 5 game absence. Lillard also made 6 assists for the Blazers, who have now lost 2 of their last 3.

Via ESPN, Thomas said that it was a ‘special night for me’.

“I haven’t played in seven months, so to be able to be out there and compete against another team was special. Obviously to get the win was even bigger but just to be able to compete and be out there in a game setting, it was a great feeling for myself.”

Mentality

His performance caught the eye of LeBron James, who was full of praise for his teammate afterwards.

“He’s very good, very good,” said LeBron. “Very dynamic. Can shoot the pill. Can get in the lane, can pass the ball. He’s going to just create so much for our team.”

What I like most about him is he has a chip on his shoulder for life. That’s just who he is. When a guy’s got a chip on his shoulder for life, he ain’t going to — he’s never going to not work hard. Not going to never give it his all. Not going to never disappoint you. Now basketball, you miss shots and things of that nature, and we’re not worried about that. You make turnovers, all of that, that’s not what I’m saying, but a guy like that — he’s going to always put in the work. And when you put in the work the game is going to always give back to you.”

Cleveland is + 550 to beat the Golden State Warriors to the 2018 NBA Championship.