CLEVELAND — Ty Jerome delivered a standout performance, scoring 27 points in the first half and finishing with a career-high 29, as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 128-100 on Wednesday night. The Cavaliers maintained a lead throughout the game, never once trailing, and have now achieved the best start in franchise history at 16-1.
Starting in place of the injured point guard Darius Garland, Jerome propelled the team with an impressive 20 points in the second quarter, including seven 3-pointers before halftime. He was supported by Georges Niang, who contributed 20 points, and first-round draft pick Jaylon Tyson, who registered an impressive stat line with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists in his inaugural pro start. Jarrett Allen also made his mark with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
On the side of the Pelicans, rookie forward Antonio Reeves shined brightly with a remarkable 34 points, while Brandon Boston Jr. added 14 points amid a challenging night for the injury-stricken team.
CLEVELAND TAKEAWAYS
The Cavaliers bounced back from a narrow loss to Boston, showcasing their strength with a lead that stretched to 34 points during the game, highlighting their unbeaten streak in nine home games. Notably, star player Donovan Mitchell only logged 20 minutes on the court, while Evan Mobley played for 18 minutes, indicating strong team depth.
KEY MOMENT
A pivotal moment in the game came when Jerome hit three consecutive long 3-pointers within a mere 62 seconds of the second quarter, which expanded Cleveland’s single-digit lead to a solid 67-51 advantage—the combined distance of those shots totaling an impressive 101 feet.
UP NEXT
Looking ahead, the Pelicans will host the Golden State Warriors on Friday, while the Cavaliers will continue their homestand against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.
This game signifies not only a testament to the resilience of the Cavaliers but also highlights the team’s ability to adapt without key players. As the season progresses, the depth and talent showcased can pave the way for continued success. The future looks bright for Cleveland as they build on this historic start.