Injury Bug Strikes Cleveland Cavaliers Again as Ricky Rubio Suffers Torn ACL in Loss to Pelicans

(Photo : Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) DENVER, COLORADO - Ricky Rubio #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers plays the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on October 25, 2021 in Denver, Colorado.

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Ricky Rubio will be sidelined for the foreseeable future after picking up a knee injury in Tuesday's loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. The team announced the unfortunate development on Wednesday, with tests revealing that Rubio suffered a torn ACL in his left knee.

Rubio to miss rest of the season because of knee injury

Rubio got injured during the closing stages of the Cavs' 108-104 loss at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. The incident occurred when Rubio was driving down the lane with two minutes and 20 seconds remaining in the contest. Just as he was escaping the clutches of New Orleans guard Devonte' Graham, Rubio slipped while planting his right foot, with his left knee buckling in the process.

Fans and players in the stadium knew something was horribly wrong as Rubio cried in pain after the injury. The Spanish star immediately went down and grabbed his left knee as he signaled to the Cleveland bench for help. As he was helped off the floor by Cavs teammates Isaac Okoro and Kevin Love, Rubio was seen not putting any weight on his left leg.

On Wednesday, the Cavs' worst fears were confirmed after Rubio underwent an MRI exam on his injured left knee at Cleveland Health Sports Clinic. Rubio tore his ACL and will be sidelined for the rest of the season. He suffered the same injury back in 2012 during his rookie season with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Rubio's injury a huge blow for resurgent Cavs

Losing Rubio is a massive blow for the Cavs, who are off to their best start in years, posting a 20-14 record in their first 34 games. The Cavs managed to win just 22 games last campaign to put that into perspective. Rubio had been a vital part of that success, averaging 13.1 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game this season.

The Cavs acquired Rubio during the summer to shore up their rotation. He formed a terrific partnership with Kevin Love in the second unit, which was instrumental to the Cavs' resurgence.

Rubio is the latest Cavs player to suffer a season-ending injury this campaign. Collin Sexton's season also ended abruptly after tearing his ACL against the New York Knicks back in November. In Sexton's absence, Rubio stepped up big time, logging heavy minutes in the Cavs backcourt.

He was on his way to another monster performance against the Pelicans before his untimely injury. Rubio scored 27 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished out nine assists before injuring his left knee.

With Rubio now out for the season, the pressure is on starting guard Darius Garland to deliver the goods for Cleveland. Garland is currently on the league's health and safety protocols, though, leaving the Cavs without their top three guards for the next few games.