Meleek Thomas made an immediate impression in his NBA debut, scoring 16 points off the bench to help the Cleveland Cavaliers defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-125 in overtime on Monday. The rookie credited his faith, preparation and defensive effort while making it clear he believes there is much more to come.
“I would just say it was an amazing feeling. A blessing, a dream come true,” Thomas said after the game. “I give all credit to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I was just so happy to be out there.”
The 34th overall pick in June’s NBA Draft had not played in Cleveland’s first two games, but he said he remained prepared for his opportunity.
“No advanced knowledge. Just going on the fly,” Thomas explained. “Staying ready, making sure I had the right tools when it comes to what the other team was doing, knowing their tendencies, their plays, who they go to, what they run.”
Thomas finished with 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including four three-pointers on five attempts, in 19 minutes. He said his priority was helping Cleveland defensively as the Cavaliers fought back from a deficit that reached 15 points.
“I wanted to be there for my teammates defensively. That was my main goal, just go in there and help my teammates defensively,” Thomas said. “We’re a very talented offensive team, but if we could go in there and just win a couple more stops, I felt like that would have been big for us today.”
Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson praised Thomas after the game, while the rookie credited his veteran teammates, including Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, for helping him develop confidence.
“For them to just take me under their wing and give me all of the game and just constantly help me, constantly stay in my ear, it just goes to show that they see how much potential that I see in myself,” Thomas said.
Thomas also explained how he handled being left out of the rotation early in the season, pointing to his faith as a source of patience.
“If he’s not going to have me play for five games, then be ready for the sixth one,” Thomas said. “Regardless of whatever goes on, practices, games, just stay ready and your moment will come, because you can’t really keep a star in the closet for too long.”
Despite his strong debut, Thomas believes he has more to show.
“I wasn’t even my best version,” he said. “There’s a lot more that I haven’t shown.”
The Cavaliers improved to 2-1 and will host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.
