Ricky Rubio made his eagerly anticipated NBA comeback when the Cleveland Cavaliers played the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center after being out for 380 days.
In 10 minutes of action on his comeback to the Cavaliers, the Spanish point guard, who tore the cruciate ligament in his left knee on December 28, 2021 (the same one he hurt in March 2012), scored nine points, grabbed three rebounds, and gave one assist.
Midway in the third quarter, Rubio’s three-pointer brought the Cavaliers within 74-70. The Blazers’ Jerami Grant responded with a three-pointer.
As the Cavaliers maintained the advantage under ten points, another 3-pointer by Ricky Rubio cut the deficit to 82-77.
There were many emotions present today, according to Ricky Rubio. I’ve been putting in a lot of effort all year just to stay healthy, so I’m happy to be playing basketball. Also Read: Luka Doncic and the Mavericks excel in crunch time to outlast Lakers
Cavaliers Comeback over Trails
Damian Lillard scored a season-high 50 points, but the Blazers lost for the fifth game in a row as a result.
The Cavaliers have won five of their previous seven games thanks to Jarrett Allen’s additional 24 points and 10 rebounds.
Midway in the third quarter, Rubio’s three-pointer brought the Cavaliers within 74-70. The Blazers’ Jerami Grant responded with a three-pointer.
As the Cavaliers maintained the advantage under ten points, another 3-pointer by Rubio cut the deficit to 82-77.
Portland had an early 14-point lead and led 91-87 entering the fourth quarter.
With 7:11 remaining, Lillard’s 29-foot 3-pointer gave Portland a 102-97 lead, but the Blazers were unable to maintain it. With 4:40 remaining, Mitchell’s jumper gave the Cavaliers their first lead of the game after Allen’s layup made it 104-103.
Anfernee Simons made a 3-pointer to bring the score even, but Mitchell and Evan Mobley then scored back-to-back baskets to put the Cavaliers ahead. Also Read: Tyrese Haliburton Injury: Pacers Guard is on crutches after leaving the game with a knee injury
The Cavaliers celebrate Ricky Rubio homecoming with special jerseys
In honour of Ricky Rubio’s historic night, Cleveland Cavaliers players, coaches, and trainers donned the specially created black T-shirts before and after the game.
Welcome back, Ricky! Was written in Spanish handwriting across the front of the card. A strong, meaningful, and emotive they wrote quote in English on the reverse, and it got Rubio through the hardest parts of his protracted recovery from a ruptured left ACL.
Ricky Rubio, who is now 32, returned to Cleveland in the summer and agreed to a three-year, $20 million contract. Additionally, Rubio has had stints with the Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
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