The Cleveland Cavaliers put on an impressive performance Wednesday night, never trailing in a dominant 128-100 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
The star of the show was Ty Jerome, who delivered a career-high 29 points, including an explosive 27-point first half. Filling in for the injured Darius Garland, Jerome had the game of his life, leading the Cavaliers to their best start in franchise history at 16-1.
Jerome’s 27-point barrage in the second quarter was a sight to behold. The sharpshooter hit seven 3-pointers before halftime, helping the Cavaliers build a commanding lead that the Pelicans would never be able to recover from. His scoring outburst was critical in keeping Cleveland in control throughout the game, with Jerome’s pinpoint shooting proving to be the difference-maker.
Cleveland’s offensive effort wasn’t limited to Jerome. Georges Niang added a solid 20 points, contributing to the Cavaliers’ high-scoring affair. Meanwhile, first-round pick Jaylon Tyson had an all-around impressive performance, finishing with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists in his first professional start. Tyson’s versatility and composure in his debut game provided a much-needed boost for the Cavaliers as they continue their strong season.
The Cavaliers’ frontcourt also made their presence felt. Jarrett Allen, always a force on both ends of the floor, posted a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Cleveland’s depth and talent were on full display, as they led by as many as 34 points in a statement win that kept their unbeaten record intact at home.
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For the Pelicans, the game was a difficult one to swallow. With their top six scorers all sidelined due to injuries, including the absence of Brandon Ingram with a bilateral ankle sprain, the team was forced to rely heavily on its reserves and two-way players. Rookie Antonio Reeves stepped up in a big way, scoring a remarkable 34 points, his best performance of the season. Brandon Boston Jr. also had a solid outing, contributing 14 points for New Orleans, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Cavaliers’ offensive onslaught.
In an unusual turn, the Pelicans also had to call on veteran guard Elfrid Payton, who was signed earlier in the day. Payton, playing in his first NBA game since May 2022, started for New Orleans and recorded 11 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and four turnovers. While Payton’s experience was helpful, the Pelicans simply couldn’t match the firepower of the Cavaliers, especially with their key players unavailable.
The key moment of the game came in the second quarter when Ty Jerome turned the game into a one-sided affair. In just 62 seconds, Jerome connected on three long 3-pointers, each from a significant distance. The combined distance of the shots was a staggering 101 feet, and the Cavaliers’ lead ballooned to 67-51. It was a stretch of basketball that encapsulated the night’s dominance.
Despite a 120-117 loss to Boston the night before, the Cavaliers bounced back in impressive fashion. The win allowed Cleveland to maintain their perfect record at home, a feat they’ll look to continue as they head into the next phase of their homestand. Notably, Cleveland’s stars, Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, had their minutes limited in the win, with Mitchell playing only 20 minutes and Mobley logging just 18. This speaks to the Cavaliers’ depth and ability to manage their stars while still maintaining dominance.
For the Pelicans, the injury bug has bitten hard, and the road ahead looks challenging. With their top scorers sidelined, New Orleans will need to dig deep to stay competitive. They’ll have a chance to bounce back Friday when they host the Golden State Warriors. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers will look to continue their dominance on Sunday when they face the Toronto Raptors to wrap up their three-game homestand.
Key Stats and Takeaways:
- Ty Jerome finished with a career-high 29 points, including 27 in the first half.
- Georges Niang contributed 20 points, while Jaylon Tyson posted 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists in his first pro start.
- Jarrett Allen registered a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
- Antonio Reeves scored 34 points in a stellar performance for the injury-plagued Pelicans.
- Elfrid Payton, signed just hours before the game, had 11 points, five rebounds, and eight assists in his return to the NBA.
- Cleveland remains unbeaten at home with a 9-0 record and continues to boast the best start in franchise history at 16-1.
