The Cleveland Cavaliers got a huge boost with the return of star point guard Isaiah Thomas. The two-time All-Star recently made his 2017-18 NBA season debut in a win against the Portland Trailblazers on Wednesday.
Although he was unable to play in his return to the TD Garden due to it being the second night of a back-to-back, Thomas is ready to assume his role in the starting lineup. Despite the increased workload, he does not feel it will be too significant of an adjustment to make, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin:
“I don’t think it will feel that much different,” Thomas said. “I’m trying to get them to let me play a little more. Especially [because] I played all right the first game that I played, so I’m — trust me — I’m on them about playing a little more because for the most part I feel fine. I’m a little sore, and I expected to be sore and a little stiff, but for the most part, my body feels good.”
Thomas played extremely well in his season debut against the Blazers. He came off the bench to drop 17 points on an efficient 6 of 12 shooting.
Despite his strong performance, Thomas has acknowledged that he is still not at 100 percent. Although he was initially opposed to a minutes restriction up returning to the floor, it seems even Thomas will have no choice as he gets back to full strength. Regardless, having him on the court in any capacity will be an advantage for the Cavs after having now lost four of their last five games.