Ty Jerome delivered a career-best performance, scoring 29 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a commanding 128-100 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
Cleveland improved to an impressive 16-1, marking the franchise’s best start in history.
Jerome, starting in place of the injured Darius Garland, exploded for 27 first-half points, including 20 in the second quarter alone. He buried seven 3-pointers before halftime, helping the Cavaliers build a lead they would never relinquish.
Georges Niang added 20 points off the bench, while rookie Jaylon Tyson made his first professional start and contributed 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists.
Jarrett Allen also posted a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds as the Cavaliers cruised to their ninth straight home win.
The Pelicans, riddled with injuries, were forced to rely on a depleted roster, with six of their top scorers unavailable.
Rookie Antonio Reeves was a bright spot, scoring a career-high 34 points, while Brandon Boston Jr. chipped in 14 points.
Newly signed point guard Elfrid Payton made his season debut, recording 11 points, eight assists, and five rebounds.
Despite their efforts, New Orleans could not keep pace with Cleveland’s sharpshooting and defensive intensity.
The Cavaliers shot 52.7% from the field and connected on 18-of-42 three-pointers, compared to the Pelicans’ 42.4% shooting and 8-of-31 from beyond the arc.
The win was a strong rebound for Cleveland, who came off a close 120-117 loss to Boston the night before.
Donovan Mitchell, limited to 20 minutes of action, scored 10 points, and Evan Mobley added nine in 18 minutes, as the Cavaliers relied on their depth to secure the blowout victory.
The Pelicans, now 4-12, struggled to find consistency without stars like Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Zion Williamson.
