Ty Jerome erupted for 24 points off the bench to power the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 127-113 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Tuesday night, extending their winning streak to four games.
The 27-year-old guard went 8-for-12 from the field and 5-for-8 from three-point range in 28 minutes, providing the spark Cleveland needed when their starters struggled early in the second quarter. Jerome’s performance highlighted a dominant bench unit that outscored Atlanta’s reserves 52-28.
Bench Brigade Takes Control
Jerome entered the game midway through the first quarter with Cleveland trailing 18-15. His immediate impact was felt as he drained three consecutive three-pointers to give the Cavaliers a 32-26 lead they never relinquished.
“Ty came in and changed the whole complexion of the game,” said Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff. “His energy, his shot-making ability, it lifted everyone.”
The Virginia product has emerged as a crucial sixth man for Cleveland, averaging 11.8 points and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 43.1% from beyond the arc. His development has been vital for a Cavaliers squad that entered Tuesday’s contest sitting third in the Eastern Conference at 31-16.
Hawks Struggle Without Young
Atlanta played without All-Star point guard Trae Young, who was sidelined with a left ankle sprain suffered in Sunday’s loss to Milwaukee. The Hawks’ offense sputtered without their primary facilitator, managing just 19 assists compared to Cleveland’s 32.
Dejounte Murray led Atlanta with 26 points and seven rebounds, but the Hawks shot just 39.4% from the field and committed 18 turnovers. The loss dropped Atlanta to 20-27, maintaining their precarious position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
“We knew coming in here without Trae would be challenging,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said. “Credit to Cleveland – they executed their game plan and took advantage of our mistakes.”
Cavaliers’ Balanced Attack
While Jerome stole the spotlight, Cleveland received contributions across the roster. All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell added 22 points and eight assists, while center Jarrett Allen dominated the paint with 18 points and 12 rebounds for his 23rd double-double of the season.
Forward Evan Mobley chipped in 16 points and six blocks, showcasing his defensive prowess against Atlanta’s interior attack. The Cavaliers shot 51.7% from the field and connected on 18 three-pointers, matching their season high.
Cleveland’s ball movement was particularly impressive, with six players recording at least three assists. The unselfish play has become a hallmark of this Cavaliers team, which ranks fourth in the NBA in assists per game at 28.1.
Jerome’s Journey to Cleveland
Jerome’s emergence represents a significant development for Cleveland’s championship aspirations. The former Phoenix Suns guard signed with the Cavaliers last summer after spending two seasons bouncing between the NBA and G League.
His three-point shooting has been a revelation for a Cleveland team that ranked 22nd in three-point percentage last season. Jerome’s 43.1% mark from deep ranks sixth among all NBA players with at least 100 attempts.
“I’ve always believed in my ability to shoot the basketball,” Jerome said postgame. “Having coaches and teammates who trust me to take those shots has been huge for my confidence.”
Looking Ahead
The victory marked Cleveland’s seventh win in their last nine games, positioning them well for a strong second-half push. With the All-Star break approaching, the Cavaliers have established themselves as legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta, meanwhile, faces mounting pressure to string together wins with the trade deadline looming. The Hawks sit just 1.5 games ahead of 11th-place Chicago in the East, making every game crucial for their playoff hopes.
Cleveland returns to action Thursday when they host the Boston Celtics in a potential Eastern Conference Finals preview. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
