Isaiah Thomas finally made his Cleveland Cavaliers debut last night in front of the home crowd at Quicken Loans Arena and he picked up right where he left off. In just 19 minutes off the bench, Thomas scored 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting and dished out three assists as the Cavs picked up a 127-110 victory over the Blazers.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, before Thomas put on his wine and gold #3 jersey, he sat before his locker and said to himself, "I feel like a damn rookie." Following the win, in which Thomas played like anything but a rookie, the 28-year old point guard expanded on his feelings prior to tip off and what it was like getting back on the court after seven months of rehab.
Per ESPN,
"It was a special night for me," Thomas said afterward. "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."
"It was a special moment," Thomas said of the reception from the Cavs faithful. "I haven't played in a game, and you would think I was here for a few years and playing and battling in Finals with this team, but it was special for my family to be here, my wife and kids to see that, that's genuine love right there and I appreciate them patiently waiting and giving me the love they did tonight."
The Cavs will take on the Celtics in Boston tonight for the first time since the Isaiah Thomas x Kyrie Irving trade. However, because it's a back-to-back, Thomas will not be suiting up for Cleveland.
https://twitter.com/_/status/948421011518689280
https://twitter.com/_/status/948351677291290624