CLEVELAND — Ty Jerome delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 27 points in the first half and finishing with a personal best of 29 points, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a commanding 128-100 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
Taking the place of the injured Darius Garland, Jerome shone brightly, especially in the second quarter where he contributed 20 points and hit an impressive seven 3-pointers before halftime. This victory marks a historic high for the Cavaliers, who are now boasting a franchise-best start at 16-1.
Georges Niang contributed significantly as well, adding 20 points, while first-round draft pick Jaylon Tyson, in his debut as a starter, impressed with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Jarrett Allen also played well, recording 16 points and 11 rebounds.
On the other side, the Pelicans were hampered by injuries but saw rookie Antonio Reeves come through with 34 points, dramatically outpacing his average of 2.9 points per game. Brandon Boston Jr. supported with 14 points.
Key takeaways from the game show that the Cavaliers bounced back effectively from a narrow loss to Boston the previous night, demonstrating their resilience by leading by as many as 34 points. It is noteworthy that Donovan Mitchell played only 20 minutes, and Evan Mobley logged just 18 minutes, showcasing the depth of the Cavaliers’ roster.
A pivotal moment in the game came when Jerome hit three long-range 3-pointers within just 62 seconds during the second quarter, which transformed a single-digit lead into a comfortable 67-51 advantage for Cleveland.
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.
Overall, the Cavaliers’ success underscores their strong team dynamics and promising depth, which will be crucial as the season progresses. These performances are a beacon of hope for Cavaliers fans, indicating that the team has the potential for a significant run as they continue to build on their remarkable start.