Cleveland, OH — Ty Jerome put on a spectacular performance, scoring 27 points in the first half and finishing with a career-high 29, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a commanding 128-100 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
Stepping in for the injured Darius Garland, Jerome shone brightly, contributing 20 points in the second quarter alone and nailing seven three-pointers before halftime. This win marked an impressive start for Cleveland, improving their record to 16-1, the best in franchise history.
In addition to Jerome’s stellar play, Georges Niang added 20 points, while rookie Jaylon Tyson made a significant impact in his first professional start with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Jarrett Allen also contributed with 16 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing the depth of the Cavaliers’ roster.
For the struggling Pelicans, rookie Antonio Reeves, who had been averaging just 2.9 points per game, erupted for 34 points. Brandon Boston Jr. also contributed with 14 points, though the team was severely hampered by injuries.
Key Insights:
Pelicans: On the day of the game, Elfrid Payton was signed and made his first NBA appearance since May 2022. The 30-year-old point guard started and finished with 11 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and four turnovers.
Cavaliers: Cleveland rebounded well from a narrow 120-117 loss to Boston the previous night, dominating the game and leading by as much as 34 points. Star player Donovan Mitchell was limited to just 20 minutes of play, while Evan Mobley contributed only 18 minutes.
Highlight Moment:
One of the turning points in the game came during the second quarter when Jerome sank three deep three-pointers within a minute, extending Cleveland’s lead from single digits to 67-51. The total distance of those three shots was an impressive 101 feet.
Noteworthy Stats:
The Pelicans were missing their top six scorers, who typically average a combined 110.5 points, forcing them to utilize all three of their two-way players. Notably, forward Brandon Ingram was sidelined due to a bilateral ankle sprain, contributing to New Orleans’ challenges.
Upcoming Games:
The Pelicans will face off against the Golden State Warriors on Friday, while the Cavaliers will continue their homestand against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.
