Cavaliers Breakout Star Speaks on Game One Surge Against the Heat

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jack Meyer | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers had plenty of familiar faces step up in their 121-100 win over the Miami Heat in game one of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. All-Star guards Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland combined for 57 points on the day to keep the Heat at bay.

However, the Cavs' star-studded backcourt received some extra support in the scoring column from a somewhat-surprising face: Sixth Man of the Year finalist Ty Jerome, who chipped in with 28 points of his own off the bench.

As the two squads prepare for game two on Wednesday evening, Jerome has still seen plenty of buzz around his name in recent days. He will look to keep this newfound momentum rolling, both for himself and his squad as a whole.

Above all else, however, Jerome is looking to enjoy the ride through this year's postseason, with Cleveland sitting atop the East following a 64-18 regular season slate.

"It's definitely special after last year, not being able to play the whole year, not being able to play the playoffs, just watching," he said. "It speaks to the time my teammates have empowered me and how my coaching staff empowered me since day one for sure."

Jerome only appeared in two games through the 2023-24 campaign before breaking into Cleveland's rotation this year. He subsequently came in third for this year's 6MOTY award, which went to Boston Celtics guard Payton Prichard.

The Heat and Cavaliers will meet back in Clevaland for game two on Wednesday evening, with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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