Dean Wade returned to action for the Cavaliers in Game 3 against the Boston Celtics on Saturday night after being sidelined for two months due to a strained right knee.
Wade’s last game was on March 8, shortly after his remarkable performance of 23 points, including 20 in the fourth quarter, which helped the Cavaliers secure a comeback win against the Celtics.
Entering the game in the first quarter, Wade immediately made an impact by sinking a 3-pointer, earning a loud cheer from the Cleveland crowd.
While Wade’s return provides Coach J.B. Bickerstaff with added depth, the Cavaliers continue to miss starting center Jarrett Allen, who has been out for six consecutive games due to rib injuries sustained during the opening-round series against Orlando.
Despite hopes for Allen’s swift return, his ribs are still causing discomfort, keeping him sidelined.
With Wade back on the court, Bickerstaff gains another offensive option and an additional threat from beyond the arc for the Celtics to contend with.
Although Wade averaged 5.4 points per game during the season, he had a standout performance against the Celtics in their previous matchup at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, where he made six 3-pointers, all in the fourth quarter, aiding the Cavaliers in a remarkable comeback from a 22-point deficit.
Meanwhile, Boston’s center, Kristaps Porzingis, remained sidelined for the fourth consecutive game due to a calf injury.
