Ex-Cal Star Jaylon Tyson A Hit for Cavaliers in his First NBA Start

The rookie guard puts up 16 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists to help Cleveland rout the Pelicans

Jaylon Tyson / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Former Cal star Jaylon Tyson got his first NBA start on Wednesday night and made the most of it.

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ first-round draft choice contributed 16 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists — a near triple-double in his first meaningful appearance — to a 128-100 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Tyson had two steals and just one turnover in 37 minutes. Pretty much all of his numbers represented highs in his brief NBA career. He shot 7 for 12 from the field and had a plus/minus of plus-20 points.

"I just want to add value to this team that we don't have," Tyson told reporters afterward. "And whatever role that is, I'm willing to mold into that."

Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson was thrilled by Tyson's productive night.

“Energy, rebounding . . . almost a triple-double. That’s the guy we saw in training camp, in September when he came here," he said. "Just great to see him play well.”

Atkinson said his assistant coaches pushed for Tyson to get the start but that he wasn't sure it was a good idea.  "I was fighting it. I said he hasn’t really played at all. It’s important for a young guy to be around vets. It was a great suggestion, it really helped him to get off to a good start.”

According to the Cavaliers, Tyson became the team’s first rookie to post at least 16 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in a single game since Brad Daugherty (20-11-7) on April 7, 1987.

Atkinson didn't make a fuss in telling Tyson he would be starting - it was just revealed during the pre-game scout. “Sometimes it’s best not to make a big deal out of it," he said. "I guess that strategy worked tonight.”

A first-team All-Pac-12 selection last year in his only season with the Bears, Tyson had played in just six games this season, primarily in garbage time. He totaled seven points, four rebounds and two assists in those outings.

Jaylon Tyson / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

On the heels of the Cavaliers’ first loss of the season, a 120-117 setback to reigning NBA champion Boston, starting guard Darius Garland was ruled out for precautionary reasons due to a groin injury.

Garland was one of seven Cleveland players who were unavailable Wednesday night. Tyson stepped in and was more than ready for the assignment. 

Ty Jerome scored 29 points to lead the Cavs, who improved to 16-1, including 9-0 at home.