Overview
- Thomas scored 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting with four 3s in his first NBA game, helping the Cavaliers rally to a 127-125 overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday.
- He delivered his output in just 19 minutes off the bench after not appearing in Cleveland’s first two regular-season games, a quick impact that underscored his readiness.
- Coach Kenny Atkinson had favored Craig Porter Jr. and Tyrese Protector in earlier games, a choice that made Thomas’ sudden opportunity notable to the team and fans.
- Donovan Mitchell publicly called Thomas “gonna be special,” and teammates credited his energy and shooting with jump-starting the comeback led in part by Mitchell’s 26 points and late jumper.
- Thomas was a standout in Summer League and arrived via the 34th pick in June after a draft-night trade from Sacramento, and the Cavaliers will now watch his consistency and how opponents defend him to decide his role.