Cleveland Cavs’ Jarrett Allen made playoff history in Game 7’s 114-102 win against the Toronto Raptors, reaching a feat the NBA hasn’t seen since Denver Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic’s double-double in 2020. Finishing with 22 points and 19 rebounds, Allen matched LeBron James’ performance in Game 7 as only the second Cavs player to finish with 20+ points and 15+ rebounds in the series-clinching finale. However, his three blocks matched Jokic’s record.
The NBA hadn’t had a 20+ point, 15+ rebounds, and 3+ steals in a Game 7 in six years. After the game, Evan Mobley revealed how focused Allen appeared from the start.
“He seemed like he was locked in from the jump,” Mobley said. “He just kept rebounding the ball every single chance he got. And going back up with it with strength. That’s when I really knew. From there, he just continued it the whole game.”
Jarrett Allen finished 7-for-11 from the floor and had three blocks and two steals in the Cavs’ win against the Raptors. Matching Nikola Jokic’s impressive six-year-old feat, Allen’s performance secured Cleveland’s spot in this year’s Eastern Conference semifinals.
Jarrett Allen reveals advice from Cavs teammate
David Richard-Imagn Images
Cavs center Jarrett Allen received critical advice during the series that led to a do-or-die Game 7 finale against the Raptors. Allen said Sam Merrill keyed in on closing out the second quarter on a high note, noting that the Cavs hadn’t done so before Game 7, per The Associated Press.
“Sam said this whole series, we haven’t closed out the second quarter. We all took that to heart. We all looked at ourselves and decided that now was the time to do it,” said Allen.
“I think the defensive stops, rebounds, and the offense are still shaky in some areas, but I think when we rebound the ball and get stops, that just translates to the offense so much better and transition and open shots for everybody.”
The Pistons will host the Cavs in Game 1 on Tuesday.