Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome has been fined $25,000 for publicly criticizing the officiating following the team’s 133-129 overtime victory against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The NBA announced the penalty on Monday, citing Jerome’s postgame comments targeting referee Natalie Sago. “I thought the refs were really bad tonight. Especially Natalie, she was really bad,” Jerome told reporters after the game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
The contest, officiated by Pat Fraher, Jenna Schroeder, and Sago, featured several close calls down the stretch. Jerome’s frustration stemmed from what he believed were inconsistent whistles, though the league did not specify which statements led to the fine.
Despite his criticism, Jerome played a significant role in Cleveland’s win, stepping up in Donovan Mitchell’s absence to score 25 points off the bench. His performance helped the Cavaliers extend their winning streak to 10 games, making them the first team in the NBA to reach 50 wins this season.
De’Andre Hunter led Cleveland with a season-high 32 points, including a crucial three-pointer in overtime that gave his team the lead for good. Evan Mobley added 20 points and eight rebounds, while Jarrett Allen finished with 12 points and 10 boards.
The Cavaliers (50-10) overcame an 18-point deficit in the third quarter, outscoring Portland 37-22 in the frame before dropping 40 points in the fourth to force overtime. Hunter sealed the victory by hitting two free throws in the closing seconds after Deni Avdija missed a potential game-tying three.
Avdija recorded his first career triple-double for Portland (27-34), finishing with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Anfernee Simons contributed 27 points, while Toumani Camara chipped in 19, but the Blazers faltered late, losing for the fifth time in seven games.
Darius Garland struggled from the field, shooting 4-of-16, but made an impact defensively with a key deflection in overtime. Cleveland improved to 28-4 at home and continues to hold the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
