Jarrett Allen is not the top player on his team, nor was he even an All-Star this season. He is not labeled an X-factor like Evan Mobley or trade deadline acquisition De’Andre Hunter. Rest assured, however, the 26-year-old center is an extremely valuable member of the NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers (47-10). While the public might not always recognize it, he continues to prove it.
Fans could not ignore Allen’s impact on Sunday night, though, as he delivered a memorable highlight in the Cavs’ 129-123 home victory over the Memphis Grizzlies (37-20). The eighth-year big man ran towards the basket and dunked on Ja Morant right before the shot clock expired with just under three minutes remaining in the game. The emphatic jam, which came off a nice Mobley assist, increased Cleveland’s lead to nine points and crucially halted Memphis’ momentum.
Besides the effect it had on the outcome, Allen’s posterization of Morant produced a feel-good moment. The star point guard, who admirably tried to block a man seven inches taller than him, took the play in stride. He sported a huge grin and hugged Allen tightly in the immediate aftermath of the dunk. Amid a competitive inter-conference showdown in Rocket Arena, two opponents took a minute to show the ultimate sign of respect toward one another.
Jarrett Allen does his job for the Cavs
Morant will not forget that he ended up on a Jarrett Allen poster. Considering his awe-inspiring acrobatics, it will be interesting to see if he tries to get even when the Grizzlies next face the Cavs on March 14. Allen and Cleveland got the last laugh on Sunday, though.
The 2022 All-Star scored 13 points on efficient 6-of-8 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds in the win, recording his sixth double-double of February. He is also providing his team with stalwart defense on a nightly basis. Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley will need to deliver if the Cavaliers are finally going to enjoy a signature postseason in the post-LeBron James era, but Allen’s importance must also be properly stated.
Although will not produce a viral play all the time, No. 31 deserves consistent appreciation just the same. Ja Morant definitely feels that way, by the looks of it.
