How did a cat with no heart become the heart of the Cleveland Cavaliers?
The Cleveland Cavaliers announced on Friday that they have completed the surgery on their star point guard, Cavaliers guard Isaiah Thomas, to add a heart valve.
Cleveland was in the middle of the NBA playoffs at the time, trailing the San Antonio Spurs by four games in the Western Conference finals.
But after Thomas’ surgery, the Cavaliers were one win away from a championship.
Thomas underwent surgery in the offseason, with his new heart valve being implanted into the top of his left heart.
A video from the Cavaliers medical staff that was released by the team shows the surgery taking place.
“This is a major surgery that will change a lot of things for the Cavs,” Cavaliers head coach David Blatt said in the statement.
“It is an incredible honor and I know that the fans of the Cavs, our teammates and our organization are looking forward to seeing the results of this important operation in the near future.
He had already played in five NBA Finals and won two titles.
His heart was a constant reminder of his love for his team.
The Cavs’ next four games will be a big test for Thomas, who averaged 12.3 points and 4.5 assists in 25.4 minutes per game during the regular season.
There is no word yet on the Cavs’ lineup for Game 6.