Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Tyrese Proctor has produced a career-best game for Cleveland, logging his first ever NBA triple-double in a 127-117 home win over Dallas.
Proctor, the Australian recruited with pick No.49 in the 2025 draft, was promoted as part of a revamped starting line-up after US travel chaos meant the Cavaliers only arrived home on the morning of the game.
The 22-year-old seemingly relished the added responsibility, scoring a career-high 24 points on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) to make a mockery of the hectic lead-up and lack of rest.
Proctor, who was coming off a career high of 22 points in Miami, also helped himself to 11 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists against the Mavericks.
It is the first time Cleveland have had a triple-double since Max Strus in April, 2024.
“We were down people. We had everything against us,” Proctor told reporters.
“We were on a flight 8am this morning … all odds were against us. We just had to come together and play Cavalier basketball … just keep fighting.
“It just shows how resilient we are. How connected we are, how deep we are.”
Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson was in awe of the young gun, admitting he was worried about giving him elevated minutes after a big night in Miami.
“That’s another level .. that’s special,” Atkinson said.
Proctor was asked what his message to teammates was, courtside after the win.
“Stay hungry, stay ready and just be ready when your number is called,” he said.
There were no gifts for the Sydney-born guard, who didn’t take a single free throw.
Fellow starters Mario Hezonja (22 points), Maleek Thomas (20), Thomas Bryant (19) and Jaylon Tyson (18) also came up big for the haggard hosts.
Cleveland played without their entire usual starting line-up as Donovan Mitchell (left knee), James Harden (left calf), Evan Mobley (left big toe), Jarrett Allen (right knee) and Peyton Watson (right hamstring) were all sidelined.
The Cavaliers began the day in Miami, boarded a three-hour flight to Cleveland in the late morning and then ruled out four regular starters on the second night of back-to-back games.
Proctor’s team were unable to fly out of Miami late Friday because of delays that resulted in a nationwide Federal Aviation Administration ground stop.
They arrived home around noon (local time), leaving approximately seven and a half hours until tip-off.
Tyson was the only returning starter from the preceding 133-121 loss to the Heat.
Dallas, who trailed 71-53 at halftime, never got closer than nine points in the second half.
Proctor buried back-to-back three-pointers in the fourth quarter to give Cleveland the largest lead of the evening at 113-91.
Former Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving scored a game-high 34 points for the Mavs.
Meanwhile, Josh Giddey contributed eight points, eight rebounds and five assists as Chicago banked consecutive wins for the first time this season.
The Bulls, fresh from an overtime 125-117 win over Atlanta that was inspired by Giddey’s first triple-double of the season, defeated Minnesota 117-106.
Chicago’s journey to Minneapolis was also delayed because of the nationwide halt.
With AP.
