Los Angeles: LeBron James dropped in 24 points and two-time all-star Isaiah Thomas made his Cleveland debut as the Cavaliers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 127-110 on Tuesday night.

The Cavaliers had five players in double figures including Thomas who showed flashes of his offensive skill in a long-awaited first game with his fourth National Basketball Association team.

Thomas tallied 17 points in 19 minutes of play as he embarks on a soft return to NBA action following injuries to his hip and shoulder.

“It was great see him get his first basket and go from there,” James said of Thomas. “He is a spark and the jump we needed on our team right now.” James also had seven assists and four steals while starters Kevin Love (19) and Jae Crowder (17) scored in double figures for the Cavaliers in the win. Thomas and Dwyane Wade came off the bench to score 16 and 15 points respectively.

Thomas was traded by the Boston Celtics along with Crowder, Ante Zizic and two draft picks to Cleveland for Kyrie Irving in the offseason.

Agencies