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Meleek Thomas sparks Cavaliers’ OT rally win with 16 points in NBA debut
Thomas provided 16 points off the bench as Cleveland erased a 15-point deficit and won 127-125 in overtime.
- On Monday, October 26, 2026, Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Meleek Thomas scored 16 points in his NBA debut, leading the team to a 127-125 overtime victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Rocket Arena.
- Coach Kenny Atkinson inserted Thomas into the rotation to provide relief for Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, seeking a third ball handler to manage offensive pressure.
- The 20-year-old guard finished with 16 points in 19 minutes, shooting 6 of 10 from the field, including 4 of 5 on 3-pointers, with two rebounds and one steal.
- Mitchell praised Thomas's defensive awareness, saying "His attention to detail defensively surprised me," while Thomas expressed confidence: "You can't keep a star in the closet."
- Atkinson affirmed the team's commitment to the draft pick, stating "Since the day we drafted him we were bullish on him," signaling Thomas's role in Cleveland's future plans.
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14 Articles
14 Articles
Cavaliers Rookie Waited Two Games — Then Lit Up a Comeback
Meleek Thomas made his NBA debut count. After sitting out Cleveland’s first two regular-season games, the rookie guard scored 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including four three-pointers, as the Cavaliers rallied to beat the previously undefeated Minnesota Timberwolves 127-125 in overtime on October 26. Thomas needed just 19 minutes to make his mark, giving Cleveland […]
·Las Vegas, United States
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Meleek Thomas Shines in Cavs Debut as Cleveland Survives Thrilling Overtime Battle
The biggest difference with the Cavs in their game against the Timberwolves was noticeable right away. From the very second he got on the floor, the team’s lone 2026 draft pick was up for the task and ready for his NBA debut.
·New York, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left7Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution54% Left
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources lean Left
54% Left
L 54%
C 38%
Factuality
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