All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving is back as he played his first game of the 2015–16 National Basketball Association (NBA) regular season in Sunday's 108–86 home victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Before Sunday's return to the court, the last time Irving saw action was in Game 1 of last season's NBA Finals versus the Golden State Warriors, where he suffered a fractured kneecap that sidelined him for almost half a year.
In his return, Irving started at the point guard position and had 12 points, one rebound, four assists, and two steals in 17 minutes of action.
"Kind of been a long, long road, but finally getting out there with my teammates was a pleasure," the 23-year-old point guard said about his return, according to the Associated Press.
Despite the great showing bouncing back from an injury, Irving showed signs of rust missing his first five shots before teammate and franchise star LeBron James stole the ball and passed it to him for an easy lay in.
"He had missed his first couple shots and I was like the best way to come back is to get a layup, get an easy one and it was only right I was able to find him, welcoming him back the best way I know how," James said about the play, according to the Associated Press.
The Associated Press also reported that the Cavs are planning to work on Irving's stamina before giving him more playing minutes.
Irving's return is huge for Cleveland which was able to take the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings this season even in his absence.
The 23-year-old player coming back to the Cavaliers' lineup also promises an entertaining encounter between the Western Conference and NBA-leading Golden State Warriors (26–1) and the Cavaliers on Christmas Day.
It will be a rematch of last season's NBA Finals and is a clash of the top teams in the West and East.
