CLEVELAND — Ty Jerome delivered a stunning performance, scoring 27 points in the first half and ultimately finishing with a career-high of 29 points, 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.
Stepping in for the injured Darius Garland, Jerome’s explosive scoring included 20 points in the second quarter alone, highlighted by an impressive seven three-pointers before halftime. With this win, Cleveland has established a franchise record for the best start to a season at 16-1.
Georges Niang contributed significantly off the bench with 20 points, while first-round draft pick Jaylon Tyson made a notable impact in his first professional start, scoring 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds with seven assists. Jarrett Allen also showcased his skills with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
On the other side, the Pelicans struggled with injuries, but rookie Antonio Reeves shone brightly, scoring 34 points despite entering the game with an average of only 2.9 points per game. Brandon Boston Jr. added 14 points to the effort.
The Cavaliers rebounded impressively after a close loss to the Boston Celtics, leading by as much as 34 points during the game and remaining unbeaten at home with a perfect nine-game streak. Notably, star players Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley were given limited minutes for strategic rest, contributing to the team’s depth.
A key moment in the matchup came when Jerome hit three consecutive deep three-pointers within a 62-second span, transforming a tight game into a commanding 67-51 lead. The total distance of those shots added up to an incredible 101 feet.
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 game exemplifies the Cavaliers’ resilience and strength as they embrace their best start in franchise history. With key players stepping up and a strong team dynamic, Cleveland fans have plenty to be excited about as the season progresses.