Zydrunas Ilgauskas

Elite guard play became the name of the game on November 22, 1997, as Cleveland’s floor general captivated the home crowd through a rookie franchise-record 20 assists, and Washington’s All-Star, in counter, offering a 27-point, 17-assist masterpiece. Tangled into a pick-and-roll between the two in the third quarter, perhaps it was only right that Zydrunas Ilgauskas, by association, was inspired to showcase some guard-like flash and creativity of his own. Aggressive in his pick-and-roll double against the always-crafty Rod Strickland, Ilgauskas times up a swipe perfectly before turning his attention to a potential breakaway opportunity. Noticeably working to keep the basketball’s bounce high enough to remain compatible with his rapidly-moving, 7-foot-3 frame, the future All-Star big eventually regains enough control to deliver a nifty behind-the-back maneuver before scoring. Proven to be well worth the wait after missing 1995’s rookie campaign with a broken foot, Ilgauskas, a double-double threat from his career’s outset, recorded nine points (on four-of-seven shooting), five rebounds, two steals, and a block. Matching his versatility, the Cleveland Cavaliers outshined the Washington Wizards, earning a victory that set the early-season groundwork for a 47-win season and a postseason appearance.

Rookie Year

Top Shot Debut