Tristian’s Big Night
Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Tristan Thompson tied his career high in rebounds with 21, in only three quarters worth of action.
Over the course of the season, the Cavaliers have experienced a lot of inconsistencies. One thing that Cavs fans could always count on was Tristan Thompson, the one man who has been through both the last two eras of Cavaliers basketball. Thompson was around before LeBron, he has plenty experience losing, but he was also fortunate to be around for the four LeBron seasons. Regardless the players around Thompson, the Texas product has also played hard. Each season he has improved his game, sure he isn’t the flashiest player but he is one of the grittiest.
Thompson has such a unique ability to rebound the basketball, especially on the offensive end of the court. Every so often Thompson will make a big play that impacts the outcome of the game, although usually Thompson is the one making the gritty plays to help keep you in games. Throughout the game, Thompson is the guy who gets his hands on a long rebound, and affects the path of the ball just enough to allow a Cavaliers guard to grab the rebound.
On nights like Tuesday though? It is important to take a step back and appreciate everything Thompson does. Thompson tied his career high in rebounds with 21, including (8) offensive, the big man also added 11 points. The Cavaliers big man set the tone for the Cavaliers in the first quarter when he and fellow starter Larry Nance Jr out rebounded the Hornets team (11-10.) Yes you read that correctly, two Cavs outrebounded the entire Hornets team.
Just like Thompson’s play, it has been the little things Thompson has done this season that have helped him take that next step. Thompson has begun to be a voice for the organization, a role that he has never had to fill before. Cavaliers coach Larry Drew knows how important Thompson is to this Cavs team, “He’s doing what Tristian does, he cleans up a lot of our mistakes because he does have the ability to switch out against smaller guys. He has really been a workhorse these last few weeks and tonight was no different.”
He has done nothing but lead with example this season, so it’s nice to celebrate Thompson’s on the court play.
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