Sports
Ty Jerome Emerges as Key Contributor to Cleveland Cavaliers’ Perfect Start
Ty Jerome, the 27-year-old guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, has quickly become a critical piece in the team’s perfect 9-0 start to the 2024-25 NBA season. After a season-ending ankle injury limited him to just two games last year, Jerome is now healthy and making a significant impact off the bench.
Jerome is averaging 9.6 points, 3.1 assists, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 15.2 minutes per game, while shooting an efficient 58.5 percent from the field and 53.3 percent from behind the arc. His defensive contributions have also been noteworthy, with a defensive rating of 107 and consistent steals that help maintain the Cavaliers’ strong defensive identity.
Cleveland’s head coach, Kenny Atkinson, who previously coached Jerome with the Golden State Warriors, praised Jerome’s high basketball IQ and his ability to help the second unit. Atkinson noted that Jerome’s smart plays and ability to give key players like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland a break off the ball have been invaluable.
The Cavaliers’ balanced scoring distribution, with five players averaging double-digits per game, has been a key factor in their success. Jerome’s consistent performance off the bench has been a significant part of this balanced approach, making him an integral part of the team’s rotation.