PORTLAND — More than a year after a cruciate ligament rupture ended his previous season in December 2021, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio returned to the court Thursday, helping the Cavaliers to a 119-113 win over host Portland Trail blazers .
Playing with a minute limit, Rubio saw 10 minutes of action off the bench, scoring nine points on 3-of-5 shooting and grabbing three rebounds.
“It felt good,” Rubio said of his first game. “It felt weird at first, especially the first time, but after that it felt normal again. Of course rhythm and all that stuff will come, but today there were a lot of emotions out there. Worked hard all year just to be healthy and grateful to be out there playing basketball again.”
Editors Favorites
1 relatives
Rubio’s Cleveland teammates were equally excited to see him back on the court. He was a key part of the Cavaliers’ quick start last season but was traded to the Indiana Pacers during his rehab before returning to Cleveland as a free agent, citing the team’s chemistry as a reason for his return.
An offseason trade also reunited Rubio with Cavaliers rookie Donovan Mitchell, his teammate for the first two seasons of Mitchell’s career with the Utah Jazz.
“I couldn’t stop smiling,” Mitchell said. “It felt like my rookie year. It’s coming full circle for me, but it’s great to see him out there after the ACL.
First, Cleveland coach JB Bickerstaff told reporters he plans to play Rubio in two stints in the first half. With Rubio on the court for less than six total minutes, Bickerstaff was able to bring him back for a third stretch in the third quarter.
Afterward, Rubio said he feels physically good because his cardio workouts are more challenging than the in-game action.
The Cavaliers were wary of the schedule for Rubio, who said he was ready to play “for a long time”. He said he understands that long-term mindset for a team that improved to 27-16 with Thursday’s win, good for fourth-place in the Eastern Conference.
“I didn’t work just to come back today,” said Rubio. “I worked hard to come back stronger than ever. It’s not just about today. I’m looking forward to a strong season, not just a comeback season.”
Still, Rubio could appreciate the milestone of his first NBA game in 380 days.
“It’s been frustrating since then,” he said, “but finally I’m out there playing basketball, playing the game I love. Being out there, that’s how I speak, I’d say, through my game and how I share that chemistry.” [my teammates].”