Ty Jerome's Historic Night Propels Cavaliers Past Heat

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Rosenblum | Last updated Apr 21, 2025 12:23 AM ET

In a stunning display of grit and skill, Ty Jerome etched his name into Cleveland Cavaliers history with a remarkable playoff debut, scoring 28 points to help lead his team to victory over the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.

The 27-year-old shooting guard, who had been sidelined for much of the season’s final stretch due to a nagging knee injury, returned with a vengeance, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with on the postseason stage.

Jerome’s 28-point outburst places him third on the list of highest-scoring playoff debuts in Cavaliers history, trailing only LeBron James (32 points in 2006) and Kyrie Irving (30 points in 2015).

The SportsCenter graphic highlighting this achievement sent fans into a frenzy, with many marveling at how Jerome, a 2019 first-round pick, has stepped into the spotlight alongside Cleveland’s all-time greats.

His performance was a blend of sharpshooting and fearless drives to the basket, showcasing the poise of a veteran despite it being his first taste of playoff action.

The Cavaliers, leaning on Jerome’s hot hand, outmaneuvered a tough Heat squad known for their defensive tenacity.

Many have dubbed Jerome a rising star and a potential X-factor for the Cavaliers' playoff run.

With this historical debut, Jerome not only silenced doubters but also signaled that the Cavaliers have a new weapon in their arsenal.

As the series progresses, all eyes will be on the young guard to see if he can sustain this momentum and help the Cavaliers chase their championship dreams.

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

More must-reads: