REPORT: Cleveland Cavaliers Has Showed Glimpse Against Orlando Magic During Playoff Game
In the previous postseason, Jarrett Allen struggled to make an impact, particularly in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ five-game loss to the New York Knicks. They were dominated inside and on the boards, with Allen finding it difficult.
This year’s playoffs brought a new challenge, with the Orlando Magic being Cleveland’s first-round opponent. Although the Magic lacked extensive playoff experience, they boasted one of the league’s strongest defenses and played a physical style of basketball.
With Cleveland facing heightened pressure in this postseason, there were concerns about whether Allen could bounce back from his struggles last year and contribute significantly. However, against Orlando, he has shown impressive performance so far, suggesting that he’s stepping up for his team.
Jarrett Allen has answered the bell thus far for the Cavaliers against the Magic
In the opening matchup against Orlando, Allen delivered 16 points and 18 rebounds, surpassing Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic’s top rebounders, by a margin of 11 boards. His impressive display continued in the following game, where he scored another 16 points and equaled the second-highest rebound count in a single playoff game for the Cavaliers with 20 rebounds. Notably, nine of his rebounds were offensive, contributing to the Cavs’ 18 second-chance points, and his presence inside limited Orlando to only 41 total rebounds.
.@_bigjayy_ joins Kevin Love (21 REB in 2017 vs. GSW) and Brad Daugherty (20 REB in 1993 vs. NJN) as the third ever Cavalier with 20+ REB in a playoff game.
Put FROHIO in the history books. ✍️ #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/F6h3CZeNur
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 23, 2024
Allen’s impact extends beyond his dominance on the boards. He has consistently played with purpose and intensity, highlighting the necessity for the Cavaliers to elevate their physicality compared to last year’s playoffs. Their performance in the first two games reflects the desired progress.
Allen has exceeded expectations, especially in rebounding, a crucial aspect for Cleveland’s success in the playoffs. His defensive contributions include disrupting Magic’s drives and post plays, evidenced by his two steals per game and three blocks in the latest matchup. His ability to time defensive rotations effectively stands out for the Cavs.
In essence, Allen is fulfilling his role admirably for the Cavaliers, demonstrating a seamless transition from the regular season to the playoffs. While his performances have come against a relatively inexperienced Magic team, they are nonetheless vital for Cleveland’s postseason aspirations. For the Cavaliers to make a deep playoff run, every core player must perform at their peak, and Allen is no exception, particularly as an interior force on both offense and defense.
Allen’s early playoff contributions have been pivotal for Cleveland’s postseason journey, but consistency is key. Sustaining his physicality and aggressiveness on both ends of the floor will be crucial. Additionally, if Cleveland’s perimeter offense improves, Allen’s impact will be magnified, providing opportunities for players like Sam Merrill and Marcus Morris Sr. to capitalize on defensive lapses.
As they head into Game Three in Orlando, the Cavaliers will look to Allen to maintain his momentum and lead them to a commanding 3-0 series lead. Orlando, on the other hand, will aim to bounce back, but Allen’s performance will be pivotal in thwarting their plans for a comeback.