Ty Jerome delivered a standout performance with 29 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers bounced back from their first loss of the season, cruising to a 128-100 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.
After suffering their first defeat in 15 games at the hands of the Boston Celtics the previous night. The Cavs responded with an all-around dominant display, overwhelming the Pelicans from start to finish. Cleveland controlled the game from the opening tip, leading 69-55 at halftime and blowing the game wide open in the third quarter with a 36-18 run. By the end of the period, the Cavaliers had a commanding 32-point advantage, easing their way to a comfortable win.
Jerome was the catalyst, hitting 7 of 12 three-pointers, including six in a spectacular second quarter where he scored 20-points. Georges Niang also contributed with 20 points, knocking down six threes of his own. Cleveland’s improved three-point shooting was a significant factor, especially after struggles in that area during their NBA-Cup defeat to Boston.
With the win, Cleveland improved to 16-1, maintaining the best record in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Pelicans fell to 4-12, having lost 9 of their last 10 games.
Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson praised Jerome’s electrifying second-quarter performance, calling it a “superstar” display that energized the crowd and his teammates. “Those moments don’t happen a lot in the NBA,” Atkinson said. “It was great for the crowd, great for the group, and great for Ty.”
Other NBA Highlights:
- Giannis Dominates Again: Giannis Antetokounmpo notched his third 40-point game of the season, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 122-106 win over the Chicago Bulls. The two-time MVP finished with 41 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Brook Lopez added 21 points, and Damian Lillard contributed 20, helping Milwaukee improve to 6-9 and climb to 10th in the Eastern Conference.
- Joel Embiid Stars in Loss: Despite Joel Embiid’s 35 points, the Philadelphia 76ers fell 117-111 to the Memphis Grizzlies. Embiid’s performance came after reports of a tense locker room exchange with teammate Tyrese Maxey over Embiid’s tardiness. The 76ers dropped to 2-12 for the season, remaining at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
- Warriors Roll Past Hawks: The Golden State Warriors extended their strong start to the season with a dominant 120-97 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Andrew Wiggins led the way with 27 points, while Stephen Curry added 23. The Warriors improved to 11-3 and sit atop the Western Conference.
- Thunder Top Blazers: The Oklahoma City Thunder, sitting second in the West, defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 109-99. Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 30 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 28, continuing their strong push towards the top of the conference.
- Suns Slump Continues: The injury-hit Phoenix Suns suffered their fifth straight loss, falling 138-122 to the New York Knicks. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns combined for 70 points to lead the Knicks to their ninth win of the season. Brunson finished with 36 points, seven three-pointers, and 10 assists, while Towns added 34 points.
As the season progresses, teams like the Warriors, Cavaliers, and Bucks are maintaining strong performances, while others such as the Suns and 76ers are facing early-season struggles.
