There is no rest for the weary Cleveland Cavaliers; just a little over 24 hours after the Boston Celtics dealt them their first loss of the season, halting their historic 15-game winning streak to start the season, the Cavs had to pick themselves up as they headed home to host the injury-ravaged New Orleans Pelicans. The Cavs wasted no time getting back to winning ways, beating up on an extremely shorthanded Pelicans team in a 128-100 win.
The Cavs were so dominant on the night that the likes of Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen played in only 20, 18, and 21 minutes, respectively, and they still had the game wrapped up by the end of the third quarter. But this did not mean that none of the active members of the team’s core four had their moments to shine. In particular, Allen, in the first quarter, put Pelicans forward Jamal Cain on a poster after a great pocket pass from Craig Porter Jr.
That jam looked it like it meant something extra for Allen; as one would recall, this past offseason, the Pelicans were reportedly among his biggest suitors on the trade market. But the Cavs decided to hold on to their core, and it’s paying off big time — as seen in Allen’s ferocious slam.
Allen finished the night with 16 points on a perfect 7-7 shooting from the field, as he was one of six Cavs players to finish the night with double-digits in scoring.
Cavs flex on the Pelicans
The Pelicans deserve some credit for not getting blown out straight from the jump considering all their team’s injury woes. But the Cavs have been the best team in the league thus far this season, and they showed why even though they were without Darius Garland on the night.
The Cavs’ depth has been very impressive; in particular, Ty Jerome is blossoming right in front of our very eyes. Jerome scored 29 to lead the team in scoring, and he did so on seven made threes — establishing himself more and more as a quality rotation piece with each passing game.
Rookie forward Jaylon Tyson also deserves plenty of credit for his impressive game in his first career start. Tyson tallied 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven dimes — making his case for more minutes moving forward.
The Cavs will look to embark on another lengthy winning streak, although they will have three days of rest before they take on the Toronto Raptors at home on Sunday night.
