With the return of Kyrie Irving, the Cleveland Cavaliers are nearly back to full-strength.
The point guard and third member of Cleveland’s star triumvirate scored 12 points in 17 minutes during his season debut, a 108-86 win over the hapless Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night.
It was Irving’s first taste of game action since injuring his kneecap in Game 1 of the NBA Finals in June.
– GALLERY: The NBA's top-ten player salaries
– VOTE NOW: End of Year Awards 2015
“Obviously, the first game back we weren’t trying to push it too hard, and I just wanted to go out there and see how it felt,” Irving said.
“Hopefully, every game I can progress and feel better.”
Irving’s ball-handling was tight as usual, but his finishing at the rim appeared rusty. His first shot attempt came on a gliding drive to the basket on which he switched hands for a layup, but was wide of the mark.
After missing his first five shots, Irving finally got on the board when LeBron James stole a pass in transition and fed his waiting team-mate near Philadelphia’s basket.
Irving settled in from there, converting four of his next six attempts, including a perfect 2-for-2 on 3-pointers, to finish with 12 points and four assists.
The Cavaliers now own a dominant 34-3 record with James, Irving and Kevin Love in the line-up since January, when James returned from a two-week hiatus.
“You could see that the team has been anxious and wants to see Kyrie out there and giving us the things he can give us,” Cavs coach David Blatt said.
“He had a serious injury, had serious surgery and went through a long, long process of rehabilitating. And you see a guy every day just fighting his way back and working and going through stages.
“I think the guys felt good seeing him out there professionally and on a human level. I know I did.”
Cleveland also had the services of Iman Shumpert against Philadelphia in the guard’s third appearance of the season.
Only Mo Williams is absent as he recovers from a sprained thumb that has kept him out the past two games.
His eventual return will give the Cavaliers a healthy squad for the first time this season, ahead of a monumental clash with the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day in a Finals rematch.
“We’re almost there,” said James. “Before the game we were in the hallway, and I saw so many familiar faces. Having Ky back after the six-month layoff was great because I know he was excited.”
