PORTLAND — More than a year after a torn ACL in December 2021 ended his previous season, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio returned to the court Thursday, helping the Cavaliers to a 119-113 win over the host Portland Trail Blazers.
Playing on 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 was good,” Rubio said of his debut game. “It was weird at the beginning, especially the first time, but after that it was back to normal. Of course the rhythm and all that will come, but today there was a lot of emotions. Working hard all year just to be healthy and grateful to be out there playing basketball again.”
Rubio’s teammates in Cleveland were also thrilled to see him back on the court. He played a key role in the Cavaliers’ quick start last season but was traded to the Indiana Pacers during rehabilitation before returning to Cleveland as a free agent, citing team chemistry as a reason to return .
An off-season trade also reunited Rubio with Cavaliers newcomer Donovan Mitchell, his teammate during the first two seasons of Mitchell’s career with the Utah Jazz.
“I couldn’t help but smile,” Mitchell said. “It was like my rookie year. For me, it’s just a loop moment, but it’s great to see him there after the ACL. And also, hitting two big 3s for us, leading the offensive.”
Initially, Cleveland coach JB Bickerstaff told reporters he planned to play Rubio in two stints in the first half. Because Rubio was on the court less than six minutes total, Bickerstaff was able to bring him back for a third streak in the third quarter.
Afterwards, Rubio said he felt good physically because his cardio training was harder than the action of the game.
The Cavaliers have been cautious with the schedule for Rubio, who said he’s been 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 in the Eastern Conference.
“I didn’t work just to come back today,” Rubio said. “I’ve worked hard to come back stronger than ever. It’s not just about today. I’m looking forward to a solid season, not just a comeback season.”
Still, Rubio could relish the milestone of his first NBA game in 380 days.
“It’s been frustrating since then,” he said, “but finally I’m over there playing basketball, playing the game that I love. Being over there is like that that I speak, I would say, through my playing and how I share that chemistry. [my teammates].”