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Cavs Top 3: Rajon Rondo shows his potential in stunning debut

By Chad Porto

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 07: Rajon Rondo # 1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball as Dennis Smith Jr. # 10 of the Portland Trail Blazers defends during the second half at Moda Center on January 07, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 07: Rajon Rondo # 1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball as Dennis Smith Jr. # 10 of the Portland Trail Blazers defends during the second half at Moda Center on January 07, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) /
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Rajon Rondo may just be what the Cleveland Cavaliers needed.

The Cleveland Cavaliers got hit hard when both Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio were ruled out for the rest of the year due to injuries. The team started playing Kevin Pangos more but he didn’t have the same play-making skillset that Rubio or Sexton had, so the Cavs had to make a move. That move was trading for 35-year-old Ricky Rubio.

Rondo made his Cavaliers debut on Friday night, putting up 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists. He only shot 2-9 from the floor but did shoot well from the free-throw line, hitting 5-6 from the stripe.

Rondo wasn’t the only help the Cavaliers got against the Trailblazers, as Cedi Osman returned to the court after missing six games due to health and safety protocols. The added fire-power helped propel the Cavaliers to a 114-101 victory; helping advance the Cavs record to 22-17.

The Cleveland Cavaliers get reinforcements with Rajon Rondo and Cedi Osman

Cavs Top 3

  1. *Tie* – Rajon Rondo/Cedi Osman
  2. Lauri Markkanen
  3. Darius Garland

It’s hard for me to pick between the player who had the more important impact, as Rajon Rondo really did showcase what he could do for the Cavaliers, and Cedi Osman returned to form almost instantly. Rondo put up 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Osman shot 4-7 from three-point and finished with 14 points in the game. Both men get one point for their performance.

The two-point performance goes to Lauri Markkanen, who finished with 15 points, five assists, and a box+/- of +15. His performance isn’t easily measured in the stat box but he’s been a very effective player, especially on the defensive end of the court.

The three-point performance goes to Darius Garland, who led everyone on 26-points, on 10-17 shooting (5-9 from three), with six assists and a box +/- of +9.

Yearly Standing:

  1. Jarrett Allen (41 points)
  2. Darius Garland (37)
  3. Kevin Love (36 points)
  4. Ricky Rubio (32points)
  5. Lauri Markkanen (26 points)
  6. Cedi Osman (24 points)
  7. Evan Mobley (20 points)
  8. Dean Wade (5 Points)
  9. Isaac Okoro (4 points)
  10. *Tie* Rajon Rondo/Dylan Windler (1 point)

Next. Cavs Top 3: Jarrett Allen and Kevin Love lead the usual suspects. dark

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