Ricky Rubio is again!
The previous lottery decide scored 9 factors and grabbed three rebounds throughout the 10 minutes he performed off the bench to assist the Cavaliers beat the Path Blazers 119-113. He additionally gained the junkyard canine chain for his efforts in his first recreation since struggling a season-ending torn ACL in December 2021.
“It felt good,” Rubio stated of his first recreation, per ESPN. “It felt bizarre at first, particularly the primary time, however after that, it felt again to regular. In fact, rhythm and all that stuff will come, however at the moment was a whole lot of feelings on the market. Working arduous all yr simply to be wholesome and grateful to be on the market taking part in basketball once more.”
Ricky Rubio together with his first bucket of the season!
Welcome again, @rickyrubio9 🙌 pic.twitter.com/95Zx4AIGWO
— NBA (@NBA) January 13, 2023
The 32-year-old level guard was a vital a part of Cleveland’s success final season. After he suffered his knee damage, he was traded to Indiana for Caris LeVert, however come again through free company due to the chemistry and camaraderie he noticed in Cleveland. Donovan Mitchell, who performed with Rubio in Utah, was excited to see his teammate again on the court docket.
“I couldn’t cease smiling,” Mitchell stated. “It felt like my rookie yr. For me, it’s only a full-circle second, however it’s nice to see him on the market after the ACL. And in addition, hitting two large 3s for us, main the offense.”
By no means too excessive, by no means too low.@ThatsJared | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/TnDCLMMgpp
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 13, 2023
Cleveland head coach J.B. Bickerstaff instructed reporters throughout a pre-game scrum that he needed to play Rubio in two stints within the first half. Nevertheless, Rubio performed six minutes, so Bickerstaff performed Rubio for a 3rd stretch within the third quarter. After the sport, Rubio stated he felt good bodily as a result of the cardio exercises he did in rehab had been more difficult than recreation motion.
The Cavs admitted Rubio has been able to play “for a very long time,” however Rubio understood why they held him out. Regardless, Rubio stated the method of coming again was “irritating” however he’s glad to be “taking part in the sport I really like,” after 380 days.
“I didn’t work simply to return again at the moment,” Rubio stated. “I labored arduous to return again stronger than ever. It’s not nearly at the moment. I’m wanting ahead to having a powerful season, not only a comeback season.”
Cleveland (27-16) is about to play the Minnesota Timberwolves on the highway on Saturday.
