Raptors let Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome torch them like prime Steph Curry

The Cavaliers have appeared virtually unstoppable in their 2024-25 campaign. With an impressive 17-1 record to their name, the team in Cleveland seems ready for a triumphant push toward the Larry O'Brien trophy come playoff time.

Naturally, the starting lineup includes familiar names, such as the talented guard tandem of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, along with the Twin Towers duo of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. However, a closer look at the roster reveals some very underrated bench players contributing to their success, one of whom is backup point guard Ty Jerome.

The 27-year-old Virginia product was selected 24th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. Since then, he has played for four different teams, with Cleveland being his most recent home. Despite being a first-round talent with a successful collegiate campaign to his name, Jerome didn't necessarily stand out as a player with star potential; rather, he seemed more like a quality role player at best.

On November 24, Ty Jerome showcased an outstanding performance for the Cavaliers against the Toronto Raptors, contributing to their dominant 122-108 victory. He emerged as their standout player that night, showcasing his best Steph Curry-esque skills. Jerome appeared unstoppable for Cleveland, tallying 26 points in just 28 minutes of play while shooting 9-of-14 from the field and 4-of-8 from beyond the arc.

Ty Jerome looked like a superstar against Toronto

Jerome embarrassingly exploited the Raptors' defense on one play, causing his opposing defenders to bite on his jump. He then breezed past a waiting Gradey Dick in the paint for an easy two-point floater.

Jerome seemed to be in his element, building on his impressive performance against the Pelicans on November 20, where he scored 29 points in just 23 minutes, sinking seven three-pointers. It marked the first time in his career that he achieved back-to-back games scoring over 20 points.

As talented as Jerome is and despite his progress for more playing time, there’s no reason he should be the primary threat to the Toronto Raptors in a matchup against Cleveland. On the flip side, it might just be an indication of the NBA talent Jerome is becoming as a potential late bloomer.

The Raptors simply couldn't respond to Jerome's scorching hot stretch, as their stars RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes found it challenging to find their three-point range, shooting 2-of-6 and 1-of-6, respectively. Contending with the intimidating frontcourt duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen is already a challenge, especially given their strong performances against the Raptors' lackluster paint defense—a weakness that the Cavs had already exploited in their season opener against Toronto.

Be that as it may, one must tip their hat to the rising Ty Jerome. Despite being an NBA journeyman of sorts up to this point, he is proving that he might be on track for a lucrative payday and a spot in the conversation for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year.