Did anyone predict that Ty Jerome would channel his inner LeBron James in Game 1 of the playoffs? Probably not. Jerome`s impressive scoring burst, 20 of his 28 points coming in a crucial stretch, might not be on the same scale as LeBron`s legendary performance in the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals. However, considering the context, Jerome`s display was arguably more surprising.
LeBron James is an established superstar. Jerome, before this season, was a relatively unknown bench player. James` career points dwarf Jerome`s total. While James` feat was more significant historically, Jerome`s impact in this particular game was undeniably more unexpected. It`s rare to witness a reserve player dominate a playoff game so decisively. What factors made this possible?
The key factor, as always, is context. Jerome wasn`t facing the formidable 2007 Detroit Pistons; he was up against the 2025 Miami Heat. More specifically, he was exploiting a weakness in the 2025 Miami Heat: Tyler Herro. Cleveland relentlessly attacked Herro during their Game 1 win. Herro`s presence on the court became a major factor in Jerome`s breakout performance. For a significant portion of the fourth quarter, Cleveland`s offensive strategy simplified to repeatedly targeting Herro in pick-and-roll plays.
Yes, it was Ty versus Tyler.
Still skeptical? Let`s break it down. Herro returned to the game at the 7:46 mark in the fourth quarter. Jerome quickly hit a 3-pointer, though Herro wasn`t directly involved in that play. But from Cleveland`s next possession onwards, it was open season. Darius Garland initiated a Spain pick-and-roll to get Jerome the ball. Jerome then used Max Strus, Herro`s defender, to set a screen. Once Jerome had Herro switched onto him, he drove and drew a foul.
On the subsequent possession, Herro was caught guarding Jerome in transition. Jerome called for a screen from Jarrett Allen. Davion Mitchell, anticipating Jerome`s drive, stayed in help defense too long, leaving Sam Merrill, a sharpshooter, wide open for a three-pointer.
Two possessions later, Jerome again used an Allen screen. Bam Adebayo was forced to defend both players. If Adebayo dropped back into the paint, Jerome would take an easy floater. Attempting to split the difference, Adebayo allowed Allen to slip past him for an easy layup.
Remember the difficult choice Adebayo faced? On the very next play, Adebayo adjusted by dropping deep to defend Allen`s roll. Predictably, Jerome confidently made the floater and drew a foul.
By now, the pattern is clear. Another Jerome-Allen pick-and-roll. Herro trailed Jerome, overcommitted on the recovery, and Jerome capitalized with a turnaround jumper.
One last example. Allen screened Herro, taking him out of the play. By the time Herro recovered, Jerome had a clear look and sank a three-pointer.
These plays all occurred within a short three-minute span. The Cavaliers sealed their victory by repeatedly targeting Herro, and this strategy of exploiting Herro`s defense was evident throughout the game. In the first half, Darius Garland consistently attacked Herro. For instance, in the first quarter, Garland easily blew past Herro for a simple layup.
In the second quarter, a miscommunication between Herro and Mitchell on a double-drag pick-and-roll resulted in Strus getting wide open for a three-pointer.
Shortly after, Garland used a quick re-screen from Allen to shake free from Herro. By the time Herro could recover, Garland was ready to shoot a side-step three.
Cleveland boasted the second-best regular-season offense in NBA history. Defending against them requires a near-perfect blend of athleticism and tactical execution. Herro lacked both in Game 1, posing significant problems for the Heat.
It`s worth remembering that Herro was a rookie during Miami`s 2020 Finals run. While he had some standout games, he only started in five of their 21 playoff games. He was also absent for most of the 2023 Finals run, where Miami`s success was largely built on defense and Jimmy Butler`s scoring.
However, Butler is no longer the primary offensive force. The Miami offense now largely revolves around Herro, and rightfully so. He earned his first All-Star selection this season and has developed significantly as a shot-creator. The Heat`s offensive efficiency drops considerably when Herro is off the court. They can no longer rely on Butler to carry the offense, meaning Herro needs to be on the floor for extended periods, especially in the playoffs. Even if the Heat are considered underdogs as an 8th seed, this reliance on Herro is likely to continue.
If the Heat can`t find a way to improve Herro`s defensive viability when opponents target him relentlessly, it will limit Miami`s long-term postseason aspirations. In Game 1, Herro was clearly targeted, and while Cleveland`s offense is historically potent, it wasn`t a legendary individual performance that exposed him.
One defensive weakness shouldn`t be enough to transform Ty Jerome into LeBron James. But it was on Sunday, and this is the most critical issue the Heat must address if they hope to compete in this series.
Jasper Hawthorne