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'He's a guy that controls the pace': Ty Jerome returns from injury with a spark for Cavs
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- 'He's a guy that controls the pace': Ty Jerome returns from injury with a spark for Cavs
CLEVELAND — It took Ty Jerome 23 minutes to send another reminder that he has evolved into not only a positive influence on the bench, but a crucial one to the Cavaliers ' hopes of achieving their lofty aspirations.
Jerome returned to the court in the Cavs' loss to the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night after missing five games with a knee injury. The team had been hoping he could get some playing time before the playoffs started rather than heading into a series cold.
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"Yeah, [it was just] tendonitis, just had to let it calm down a little bit, let the swelling go down," Jerome said of the knee injury. "But I feel good."
Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome drives to the basket against Kings forwards DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis (11) in the second half, April 6, 2025, in Cleveland.
If there was any rust to be shaken off, it was done instantly. If there was any doubt in how much of an impact Jerome can make within the Cavs' rotation, it was done in those 23 minutes Sunday night.
Jerome was arguably the best player on the floor for the Cavs, pouring in 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting to go with four rebounds, two assists and a steal. He put together that stat line in only 23 minutes — and had he been available for more, the Cavs might have pulled off the win and clinched the No. 1 seed in the East.
Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome celebrates after hitting a second-half 3-pointer against the Kings, April 6, 2025, in Cleveland.
In his first action back, the Cavs had Jerome on a minutes restriction. They have to be careful this close to the playoffs, and Jerome has made himself invaluable. Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson made the call to follow that restriction rather than push Jerome's time on the floor any further, even though he scored 10 points in a five-minute stretch.
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"It was my decision. Just, obviously, a health issue and didn't want to risk it," Atkinson said. "I could have said, yeah, broke it, of course, I always have the right to do that, but didn't want to do it."
Ty Jerome a contender for Sixth Man of the Year
Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome drives to the basket against Kings forward DeMar DeRozan in the second half, April 6, 2025, in Cleveland.
It speaks to the value Jerome has added to the Cavs' bench, which has ranked among the league's best this season. In 67 games entering Sunday night, Jerome was averaging 12.2 points, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals in only 19.7 minutes. He hasn't just been productive, he's been efficiently dynamic, like a contained bolt of lightning that Atkinson can unleash when needed.
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Just as importantly to the Cavs, Jerome acting as such an offensive threat has allowed their attack to retain a level of potency even with Donovan Mitchell or Darius Garland off the floor.
Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome comes off the bench to celebrate with teammates Isaac Okoro, Darius Garland (10) and Dean Wade (32) in the first half against the Kings, April 6, 2025, in Cleveland.
"You know he's consistent, always," Mitchell said. "You know he's always going to be there ... both ends of the floor. He's a guy that controls the pace, can get going, especially in that fourth. It's great to have him back for sure."
Jerome had a journeyman-type beginning to his career, playing for three different teams across four seasons. He then effectively missed last year after needing ankle surgery, only playing in two games.
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He was virtually invisible last season. Now, he can't be missed. And for the Cavs, he's back just in time.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavs guard Ty Jerome returns from injury ahead of playoffs
