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NBA: Thomas scores 17 points in debut for Cavaliers
LOS ANGELES, Jan 3, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – LeBron James dropped in 24 points and
two-time all-star Isaiah Thomas made his Cleveland debut as the Cavaliers
defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 127-110 on Tuesday night.
The Cavaliers had five players in double figures including Thomas who
showed flashes of his offensive skill in a long-awaited first game with his
fourth National Basketball Association team.
Thomas tallied 17 points in 19 minutes of play as he embarks on a soft
return to NBA action following injuries to his hip and shoulder.
“It was great see him get his first basket and go from there,” James said
of Thomas. “He is a spark and the jump we needed on our team right now.”
James also had seven assists and four steals while starters Kevin Love
(19) and Jae Crowder (17) scored in double figures for the Cavaliers in the
win.
Thomas and Dwyane Wade came off the bench to score 16 and 15 points
respectively.
Thomas was traded by the Boston Celtics along with Crowder, Ante Zizic and
two draft picks to Cleveland for Kyrie Irving in the offseason.
Thomas’ last game was May 19, game two of the Eastern Conference finals
against the Cavs. He played hurt through the first two rounds of the
playoffs, then was furious that Boston traded him.
Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said earlier that Thomas would play restricted
minutes on Tuesday. Even though the Cavaliers’ next game is against the
Celtics, Thomas already said he isn’t keen on facing his old teammates just
yet.
“I can wait until February,” Thomas said when announcing his return. “I
think we play them in February again, so I can wait and put on a show then.”
Damian Lillard returned to the Blazers lineup from injury and finished
with 22 points. Lillard missed five games with a sore right hamstring.
Jusuf Nurkic scored a team-high 23 points and CJ McCollum chipped in 19 in
the loss.
Elsewhere, LaMarcus Aldridge scored 29 points and Kawhi Leonard had a
season-high 25 to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a win over the New York
Knicks 100-91.
The victory gave coach Gregg Popovich sole possession of fifth place on
the NBA’s coaching wins list.
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1207 hrs