Making his season debut and playing for the first time since tearing his left ACL on Dec. 28, 2021, veteran guard Ricky Rubio had quite an impact. He finished with nine points, three rebounds and one assist in 10 minutes. With him on the floor, the Cavs outscored Portland by six points.
“He’s calming. He’s steadying. He makes everybody better. He’s got courage,” Bickerstaff said when asked about Rubio’s return. “He made those two big shots to help us continue a run and bring us back in the game. You just see how he helps everybody and how he organizes and puts guys in the right place and simplifies the game for everyone.”
Because of the defense Portland played, including an ineffective zone, the Cavs finished the game with 16 dunks. Many of those were big-to-big lobs -- a lethal Mobley-Allen connection.The Blazers, who entered the night riding a four-game losing skid, got a season-high 50 points on 16 of 28 shooting from Lillard. Swingman Jerami Grant chipped in with 22.
Prior to the road trip, Bickerstaff spoke about how these lengthy treks can galvanize a group. The key is staying unified -- through the ups and downs.“It’s a part of our experience and growth,” Bickerstaff said. “It’s part of us understanding the moment and being put in difficult situations and not fracturing. Stay together. Take punches in the face. Not take steps back. Just keep coming.”Cavaliers forward Dean Wade missed his 20th straight game Thursday night.
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I stayed up and watched er' minute of it! Now, I'm at work like....
A nice surprise considering how much they struggled in the first half.