Ricky Rubio reacts to his season debut / News - Basketnews.com

Ricky Rubio reacted to his season debut after not playing for more than a year due to an ACL tear.

Credit: AFP-Scanpix Credit AFP-Scanpix

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio says he's grateful for making a return to the court after a 1-year break.

Player of the Game EFF 32 Jarrett Allen Points 24 Accuracy 11-17 Rebounds 10 Assists 6

In a119-113 winagainst thePortland Trail Blazers, Rubio played for 10 minutes, finishing his season debut with 9 points (1/1 2PT, 2/4 3PT, 1/2 FT), 3 rebounds, and 1 assist.

The 32-year-old tore his left anterior cruciate while driving to the basket at New Orleans on Dec. 28, 2021. He averaged 13.1 points and 6.6 assists in 34 games last season before getting hurt.

"It felt good," Rubio said of his first game. "It felt weird in the beginning, especially the first time, but after that, it felt back to normal. Of course, rhythm and all that stuff will come, but today were a lot of emotions out there. Working hard all year just to be healthy and grateful to be out there playing basketball again."

Rubio's return to the court made another reunion. The Spanish guard played for the Utah Jazz in 2017-19 alongside Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell was traded to the Cavaliers this offseason and was as excited for Rubio's comeback.

"I couldn't stop smiling," Mitchell said. "It felt like my rookie year. For me, it's just a full-circle moment, but it's great to see him out there after the ACL. And also, hitting two big 3s for us, leading the offense."

Rubio also added that he was working toward being a better version of himself than before the injury.

"I didn't work just to come back today," Rubio said. "I worked hard to come back stronger than ever. It's not just about today. I'm looking forward to having 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. "Finally, I'm out there playing basketball, playing the game I love. Being out there, that's how I speak, I would say, through my game and how I share that chemistry with [my teammates]."

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