Tristan Thompson made significant contributions in his return to the NBA, scoring five points (2-3 FG, 1-2 FT), grabbing five rebounds, and adding one assist and one steal in 15 minutes of play during Saturday's 117-103 loss to the Rockets.

This marked Thompson's first appearance in an NBA game since January 22, as he had been serving a 25-game suspension for violating the league's Anti-Drug program.

Prior to his suspension, Thompson typically served as the primary backup big man and had assumed a larger role during Evan Mobley's absence.

Mobley had missed 22 games due to knee surgery in December and is now expected to miss additional time after spraining his left ankle on March 5 against the Celtics.


Therefore, Thompson's return comes at a crucial juncture for the Cavaliers.

As seen on CBS Sports