The Cleveland Cavaliers showcased their resilience by rebounding from their first loss of the season with a commanding 128-100 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. Ty Jerome led the way with a sensational performance, scoring 29 points, including a dazzling second quarter that had fans on their feet.
Cavaliers Regain Top Form After Celtics Loss
Just a day after their unbeaten 15-game streak ended against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Cup, the Cavaliers wasted no time returning to their winning ways. Playing at home, Cleveland took control early against a struggling Pelicans team and never looked back.
The Cavs surged to a 69-55 halftime lead, largely fueled by Jerome’s shooting clinic in the second quarter, where he hit six three-pointers and scored 20 points. Cleveland extended their dominance in the third quarter, outscoring New Orleans 36-18 to build an insurmountable 32-point lead heading into the final period.
Georges Niang added to the offensive onslaught with six three-pointers, finishing with 20 points. The Cavaliers’ outside shooting, which had faltered against Boston, was back in full swing as they shot a blistering 50% from beyond the arc.
The victory improved Cleveland’s record to an impressive 16-1, solidifying their spot atop the Eastern Conference standings.
Ty Jerome’s Superstar Moment
Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson praised Jerome’s electrifying second-quarter performance, calling it “a superstar performance” that energized the crowd and the team. Jerome’s ability to step up when needed has been a significant factor in Cleveland’s early-season success.
“It was great for the crowd, great for the group, and great for Ty,” Atkinson said after the game. Jerome’s confidence and efficiency continue to bolster the Cavaliers’ balanced attack.
WEDNESDAY’S FINAL SCORES
Ty Jerome goes off for 27 in the 1st half as the @cavs move to 16-1 on the season!
Georges Niang: 20 PTS, 6 3PM
Jaylon Tyson: 16 PTS (career high), 11 REB, 7 AST
Jarrett Allen: 16 PTS, 11 REB
Antonio Reeves: 34 PTS (career high) pic.twitter.com/ym38DEP2lH— NBA (@NBA) November 21, 2024
Pelicans’ Struggles Continue
On the other side, the New Orleans Pelicans’ woes deepened with their ninth loss in 10 games. Despite the efforts of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, the Pelicans failed to mount any serious challenge. Their defensive lapses and inability to counter Cleveland’s three-point shooting left them with a disappointing 4-12 record, just one spot off the bottom of the Western Conference.
Joel Embiid’s 35 Points Not Enough for Sixers
In Memphis, Joel Embiid delivered his best performance of the season, scoring 35 points for the Philadelphia 76ers. However, it wasn’t enough to lift his team, as they fell 117-111 to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Embiid’s standout game came amid reports of off-court tension, including a locker-room discussion with teammate Tyrese Maxey following the Sixers’ loss to Miami on Monday. Despite Embiid’s resurgence, the Sixers continued their dismal season, sitting at 2-12 and rooted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Warriors and Thunder Lead the Western Conference
The Golden State Warriors maintained their dominance at the top of the Western Conference with a 120-97 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Andrew Wiggins led the scoring with 27 points, while Stephen Curry added 23 in a game that showcased Golden State’s depth and efficiency.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder kept pace with the Warriors, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 109-99. Jalen Williams scored 30 points, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 28 as the Thunder solidified their second-place standing in the conference.
NBA STANDINGS UPDATE ‼️
▪️ CLE improves to 16-1
▪️ GSW & OKC win, sit 1 & 2 in the West
▪️ NYK wins 4th in a row
▪️ HOU climbs to 11-5Download the NBA App for more: https://t.co/wV1YsrFUXw pic.twitter.com/533xQUBWnF
— NBA (@NBA) November 21, 2024
Bucks Bounce Back Behind Giannis’ 41-Point Game
Giannis Antetokounmpo was in unstoppable form, recording his third 40-point game of the season in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 122-106 win over the Chicago Bulls. Antetokounmpo also contributed nine rebounds and eight assists, with support from Brook Lopez (21 points) and Damian Lillard (20 points). The victory lifted Milwaukee to 6-9, moving them to 10th in the Eastern Conference.
Knicks Shine in Phoenix
The New York Knicks delivered a dominant road performance against the injury-plagued Phoenix Suns, winning 138-122. Jalen Brunson (36 points, 10 assists) and Karl-Anthony Towns (34 points) led the way for the Knicks, combining for 70 points.
The Suns, missing stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal due to injuries, struggled defensively and suffered their fifth consecutive loss. Phoenix’s record now stands at 4-12, mirroring the Pelicans’ struggles in the Western Conference.
Other Notable Results
- The Houston Rockets cruised past the Indiana Pacers 130-113, with their balanced offense proving too much for the Pacers.
- The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Orlando Magic 104-93, relying on a strong defensive effort to secure the win.
NBA Results (November 20, 2024)
- Cleveland Cavaliers 128 – New Orleans Pelicans 100
- Milwaukee Bucks 122 – Chicago Bulls 106
- Houston Rockets 130 – Indiana Pacers 113
- Memphis Grizzlies 117 – Philadelphia 76ers 111
- Oklahoma City Thunder 109 – Portland Trail Blazers 99
- Golden State Warriors 120 – Atlanta Hawks 97
- Phoenix Suns 122 – New York Knicks 138
- Los Angeles Clippers 104 – Orlando Magic 93
The NBA action on Wednesday highlighted the rise of top contenders like the Cavaliers and Warriors, while teams like the Sixers and Pelicans continued to struggle. Fans are eagerly anticipating how these narratives will evolve as the season progresses.
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