Along With the Cleveland Cavaliers’ backup point guard Ricky Rubio returning from injury, the Cavs also steal a big win in Portland! Finally, Ricky Rubio is back on the floor for the Cavaliers! After the fan-favorite backup point guard was sidelined with an ACL tear and then traded last year Ricky Rubio is getting buckets in The Land once again.
The Cleveland Cavaliers after sending Rubio to Indiana for Caris LeVert had re-signed the veteran guard during the offseason. Many fans and players were thrilled by the news of Ricky returning.
Rubio Brought The Spark!
Ricky Rubio played his first game back from injury Thursday night as the Cavaliers took on the Portland Trail Blazers. Rubio was in fact on a minutes restriction. That was to be expected as Rubio will need to ease himself back into the game’s flow. Rubio only played for about 10 minutes according to FearTheSword.com. Ricky was first seen in the final minutes of the first quarter where he dished out an assist as well as scoring his first points of the season via the foul line.
Rubio was also seen late in the third quarter when the Cavaliers needed an offensive spark. Rocking number 13, Ricky Rubio hit some clutch threes down the stretch to help the Cavaliers cut the Portland lead. The veteran guard finished with 9 points and 1 assist in his first game back. Although it certainly is not the stat line we saw Rubio put up last season, it was enough to will the Cavaliers to a win.
Just having Ricky Rubio on the floor again was a huge morale boost for the young Cavaliers. Give Rubio some time to re-adjust to NBA basketball and he can take over a game at any time. It means so much to the Cavaliers’ players and fans to see Rubio on the court again. Jarrett Allen, who had a very solid game in the post had nothing but praise for his teammate after the game.
The Cavs Look Scary!
With Ricky Rubio back and the Cavaliers linked to some good players with the trade deadline coming up, the Cavs are looking mighty scary. With the Eastern Conference still wide open Cleveland is within striking distance of the three teams ahead of them. Cleveland will end their road trip by taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Tip-off is at 8 p.m. as the Cavaliers look to end the road trip with another win!
Image Credits: commons.wikimedia.org.
