Curiously Watching Matisse Thybulle’s Stretch Run

Matisse Thybulle made his long-awaited season debut earlier this week after missing the first 67 games of the Portland Trail Blazers’ campaign. While the team had managed without him, the absence of Thybulle’s defensive prowess had been noticeable.

The 28-year-old underwent a procedure during the preseason to address inflammation in his right knee. In late November, he suffered an ankle sprain as part of his ramp-up to return to the court.

The Australian national representative has consequently played a grand total of four games this season. Despite the convalescence, the Thybulle has returned largely as he was before. An elite team defender who causes havoc for opposing offenses, sniping at…