The standing ovation that greeted Isaiah Thomas鈥 entrance said it all. The atmosphere at the Q was electric as the capacity crowd of 20,562 took to their feet. It was the two-time All-Star鈥檚 first game in a Cavaliers uniform, and, judging from the reception he got, just the start of many others in which he will be the focus. He knew it, and he was pumped. After having slogged through the bitterness of being shunned by the green and white while convalescing from a hip injury, he found appreciation in wine and gold.
All things considered, Thomas couldn鈥檛 have scripted a much better debut. By the time he left the floor for good with 8:10 left on the clock, he had given all and sundry a glimpse of his worth to the Cavaliers. In 19 minutes, he put up 17 on six-of-12 shooting from the field (including three of eight from three-point territory), his 5鈥9鈥 frame continuing to bely his value as a dynamic offensive player. For all his protestations that he still didn鈥檛 have his rhythm, he looked as if he, well, belonged. In fact, his fourth-quarter exertions turned a close contest against the Blazers into a rout.
Due to medical restrictions, Thomas will next suit up this weekend. As proof of his progress, he figures to start against the Magic. And as his minutes increase, so will his importance to the Cavaliers. Prior to yesterday鈥檚 set-to, they were suffering from a swoon. After his triumphant performance, however, the slump that had them absorbing five setbacks in six outings seems to be in their rear-view mirror.
For the Cavaliers, Thomas鈥 presence gives them optimism. They have a tough January schedule; today鈥檚 encounter against the Celtics kicks off a five-game road trip, after which they will then go up against the Warriors, Thunder, and Spurs. There will be no rest for the weary, but he鈥檚 seen to keep spirits up on and off the court, his unwavering confidence and leadership by example a boon to their quest for success.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since 大象传媒 introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is the Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Basic Energy Corp.
