Monday evening, the Cavaliers won their 12th victory in a landslide, on the floor of Chicago (119-113), thanks to the talent of Donovan Mitchell and better money time management. But the secret of this success perhaps lies just as much in the third quarter and the management of a very weak time on the Cleveland side.
Against the Bulls, it was the replacements, led in particular by Ty Jeromewho picked up the score, then put their team back in control of the match. And it's anything but an isolated scenario for Ty Jerome this season.
The replacement leader was the Trailing 85-76 just over four minutes from the end of the third act, the visitors led 89-95 four minutes later, in a 19-4 concluded by two baskets from Ty Jerome. “ It's great that we find different ways to win, and the most important thing is that we stick together when things don't go as planned » he reacted after the match. “ We still have a lot of things to improve, but it's really great to learn from victory. »
Between “cerebral quarterback” and “microwave”
With 12 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 interceptions in 21 minutes, the leader signed a new performance of choice. Above all, he finished with a revealing +/- of +21, the best of the Cavaliers.
“ It works well for us because everyone really likes each other, everyone puts their ego aside, we don't worry about who scored how many points, each other's stats » explains the person concerned to summarize his role and the contribution of the Cleveland bench. “ When Darius (Garland) missed a few shots tonight, the message we gave him was that these are shots he takes all season, he will always have our confidence. It's our job to get him back in the saddle, and he ended the game with a layup, doing what he does best. We stay together and have fun doing it. »
It must be said that with a group almost unchanged from last season, the Cavaliers had no trouble finding their automatisms. In this balance already in place, Ty Jerome acts as added value, he who was only able to play two matches in 2023/24 before a serious ankle injury left him in the infirmary for the rest of the season. 'year. He thus established himself as “ the cerebral quarterback » rotation as Kenny Atkinson calls himwho had already worked with him at the Warriors. “ His basketball intelligence is through the roof and he allows us to help this second five, especially when we mix up the rotations and we need someone. »
Complete, Ty Jerome has fulfilled this role wonderfully so far, depending on the needs and the opponents. The game against the Warriors last Friday turned all offensive? Ty Jerome adds another layer with 20 points at 7/8 in 21 minutes. The next day, the Cavaliers cough back-to-back against the Nets? Ty Jerome brings great intensity off the bench, and on both sides of the field with two valuable baskets in the fourth quarter, 5 assists and two interceptions.
The ideal replacement?
“ We have a very dense squad and sometimes our stars will have a lot of playing time and be tired, it's our job to come off the bench and bring energy » insists Ty Jerome. “ Coach Atkinson shows confidence from the 1st to the 15th guy on the roster. That’s what a great team should be, you need that depth. »
TY JEROME IN THE FOURTH QUARTER, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/6xTud1P3JD
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) November 10, 2024
For Tristan Thompson, Ty Jerome is “the microwave”, tells the site Cleveland.com, by his ability to weigh immediately upon entering the game. It also applies to the temperature of his wrist since the start of the season. The 27-year-old shoots 60.8%, including 54.2% from distance! The former Virginia player is notably in the process of building a signature shot through the quality of his floater, he who has converted 10 in 13 attempts this season (only Pascal Siakam is more skillful with such volume).
However, he insists on his desire for progress in defense. “ I think it's safe to say he's not known as a big defender, but he has his tricks » laughed Donovan Mitchell after the match against Brooklyn. Ty Jerome meets the criteria of the ideal replacement (10.2 points, 3.5 assists, 1.5 interceptions in 16.5 minutes on average): reliable, regular, decisive in the shadows. “ I just try to take what the flow of the game and the opposing defenses offer me. If they're shots, great. If it's being able to find a standout teammate, great. If you have to find a teammate who has the hot hand, great. »
Enough to make him a possible candidate for the title of sixth man of the year if the Cavaliers continue their fantastic momentum. And in any case an essential link to Cleveland's immaculate 12-0 record.
