CLEVELAND (AP) — Kyrie Irving is back on the floor with the Cavaliers.
The All-Star point guard broke his left kneecap in Game 1 of the NBA Finals in June. He made his season debut Sunday when the Cavs hosted the Philadelphia 76ers.
After months of rehab, Irving was in the starting lineup for Cleveland, which went 17-7 without him. Irving received a rousing ovation from the Quicken Loans Arena crowd when he was introduced before the game and he waved to the crowd.
Irving was cheered again when he dribbled up court the first time. He missed his first shot, a driving layup, and then picked up an assist with a pass to Timofey Mozgov, who scored from the corner.
Irving was replaced with 8:05 left in the first quarter and immediately got on a stationary bike to stay loose.