Cleveland Cavaliers

Isaiah Thomas' Cavaliers debut thrills Cleveland fans

Published Jan. 2, 2018 10:44 p.m. ET

Kevin Berger

After a long rehab from a hip injury, Isaiah Thomas made his much anticipated debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers, and it was definitely a debut to remember.

Eager Cavs fans gave the 5'9'' point guard a true Cleveland welcome with a standing ovation as he checked in for the first time.

https://twitter.com/FOXSportsOH/status/948349488996872192

Thomas' play did not disappoint as he poured in 17 points in 19 minutes on 6 of 12 shooting while adding in three assists.

https://twitter.com/FOXSportsOH/status/948353785323175937

IT seemed to fit right in with his new team as the Cavs were able to halt a three-game skid and get their first win of 2018.

https://twitter.com/FOXSportsOH/status/948356564540248065

Next up, Cleveland will travel to Boston for the second game of a back-to-back but Thomas isn't expected to play against the team that traded him to the Cavaliers for Kyrie Irving.

After such a stellar debut, Cavs fans have good reason to be just as excited as Thomas was following his first game of the 2017-18 season.

https://twitter.com/FOXSportsOH/status/948381968869179392