CLEVELAND — (AP) — As the Cavaliers were pushing their home record to 10-0 and improving the franchise’s historic start to an eye-popping 17-1, a solitary voice rose from the seats that could be heard throughout the lower bowl of Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
“M-V-P! M-V-P!” the lone fan chanted.
Down on the floor, Donovan Mitchell noticed. However, it wasn’t directed at the five-time All-Star, but a teammate shooting free throws.
Later, Ty Jerome wanted proof it happened.
“Did you get it on video?” the reserve guard asked.
Cleveland’s unexpected start has produced an unexpected rising star.
After missing all but two games last season with a severe ankle injury that dragged on and required surgery, Jerome has not only become an invaluable piece for first-year Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson but is emblematic of the team’s early-season success.
This wasn’t expected — not by the Cavs and certainly not by Jerome.
“He’s in this zone,” Atkinson said of the 27-year-old Jerome, already with his fourth NBA team. “It’s phenomenal.”
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