Rockets: Usman Garuba returned to play after 25-game absence

Houston Rockets rookie Usman Garuba returned on Sunday after a 25-game absence due to a wrist injury in a 130-105 loss on the road to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Garuba recorded three points, three rebounds, one steal and one blocked shot in seven minutes of work in the fourth quarter with the game out of hand. He scored his points on a 3-pointer at the top of the arc off of a pass from fellow rookie Joshua Christopher.

The appearance by Garuba was his first with the Rockets since undergoing wrist surgery on Jan. 27. He was cleared this week to participate in full 5-on-5 practices and was eventually given the green light to return to game action on Sunday.

Garuba had played sparingly this season prior to the injury, averaging 1.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in 15 appearances. He spent time with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBA G League and averaged 9.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks in 11 games.

The final stretch of the season will give the Rockets an opportunity to get Garuba playing time and continue his development. Rockets head coach Stephen Silas wants to evaluate his game during that time so Garuba should see a larger role in the final 14 games.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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