The short-handed Cavaliers rebounded from a tough game in Boston with a run-away 104-100 victory.
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson said before the 128-100 win over the New Orleans Pelicans that the bench has been a step above expected.
“Yeah, it’s been better than I thought it’d be,” Atkinson said. “Ty [Jerome] obviously is playing at an elite level.”
Atkinson didn’t know how prophetic those words would be. Jerome broke up what was a back-and-forth first quarter with a 20-point second. This included draining threes that were increasingly more ridiculous than the previous one. It was capped off by this shot just inside the logo.
Ty Jerome has 27 points in the first half
— Tony Pesta (@Tony_Pesta) November 21, 2024
His career-high for an entire game was 24 pic.twitter.com/h60r0FfjqW
Jerome had seven made threes in the first half alone. That last one seemed to break the will of the Pelicans as they never made it a game from there. He finished with 29 points on 7-12 shooting from three in 23 minutes.
Atkinson mentioned pregame that he likes tests like the one his team was facing on Wednesday with five rotation players out of the lineup.
“Personally, I like games like this,” Atkinson said. “It tests your whole roster and also gives opportunities for guys that have been working their tails off in the G League practices, extra work groups. So I’m really anxious to see how some of our young guys play.”
Jaylon Tyson passed the test. He got the start and made the most of it. Tyson was a threat on the ball and more importantly, had energy as a rebounder. The rookie created extra possessions that his team took advantage of. His off-ball cutting also helped a team that could’ve come out flat considering who was out of the lineup and what happened last night in Boston.
Tyson needed to make a statement in his first chance for rotation minutes. He had to stuff the stat sheet, make an impact on defense, and show that he could fit into a high-octane offense by moving the ball and attacking when needed. He more than did all of those things as he helped contribute 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Tyson wasn’t the only young guy to make an impact. Craig Porter Jr. was the first reserve off the bench and continues to do an incredible job as a playmaker on the ball and when used as a screener. He finished with 7 assists.
Luke Travers also looked solid in his first extended run in the rotation. It wasn’t a standout performance by any means, but he was a useful defender and was in the right places on offense to keep things moving.
The three available members of the Cavs core four got plenty of much-needed help after an emotional game the night before. They all played well in the under 21 minutes they were out there. Jarrett Allen relentlessly attacked the paint to the tune of 16 points and 11 rebounds. Evan Mobley was fed early and often as he contributed 9 points and 7 rebounds. Donovan Mitchell contributed an easy 10 points and 2 steals.
Last week Atkinson called the depth of this team an “embarrassment of riches.”
“When you have this much depth, it’s fun.”
Fun is probably the best way to describe this run-away victory.
