CLEVELAND – Ty Jerome had an outstanding performance, scoring 27 points in the first half and finishing the game with a career-high 29, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a dominant 128-100 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. The Cavaliers maintained control throughout the game, never trailing at any point.
With the absence of injured point guard Darius Garland, Jerome stepped up, notably contributing 20 points in the second quarter, including an impressive seven 3-pointers before halftime. This victory further cements the Cavaliers’ best start in franchise history, boasting an impressive record of 16-1.
In addition to Jerome’s performance, Georges Niang added 20 points, while first-round pick Jaylon Tyson made a significant impact in his first professional start, contributing 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Jarrett Allen also had a solid outing with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
On the Pelicans’ side, despite their struggles, rookie forward Antonio Reeves emerged as a standout player, scoring 34 points, while Brandon Boston Jr. contributed 14 points for the injury-stricken team.
Cleveland’s resilience was highlighted as they recovered from a narrow loss to Boston just a day prior, leading by as many as 34 points in this contest and remaining unbeaten in nine home games. Notably, star players Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley had limited minutes, with Mitchell playing 20 minutes and Mobley 18 minutes.
The pivotal moment of the game came in the second quarter when Jerome nailed three long 3-pointers in just 62 seconds, significantly extending Cleveland’s lead from a single-digit margin to a commanding 67-51.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans will host the Golden State Warriors on Friday, while the Cavaliers will continue their three-game homestand against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.
This performance by the Cavaliers not only showcases their depth and talent but also hints at a promising season ahead, as they continue to build chemistry and stay competitive despite injuries. Their strong start gives fans hope for what could be a memorable season for the franchise.