The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a 114-102 Game 7 win over the Toronto Raptors. The contest was finely balanced at halftime, with both teams locked at 49-49.
That deadlock was broken after the interval, largely thanks to Jarrett Allen. The centre erupted for 14 points in the third quarter, swinging momentum firmly in Cleveland’s favour.
His performance not only proved decisive on the night but also earned a place in franchise history. Allen’s display now sits alongside one of LeBron James’ most memorable postseason outings.
Jarrett Allen joins LeBron James in Cavaliers record books
According to ESPN, Allen became just the second Cavaliers player to record at least 20 points and 15 rebounds in a Game 7. The only other to achieve that feat was LeBron James.
The 28-year-old center finished with 22 points, matching Donovan Mitchell as the team’s top scorer. He also dominated the glass with 19 rebounds, while adding three blocks and two steals.
James reached those same statistical thresholds in May 2018. His performance came in the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics in another Game 7 scenario.
On that occasion, LeBron delivered 35 points and 15 rebounds to guide Cleveland to an 87-79 victory. Allen’s effort now places him in similarly elite company within the franchise.
Jarrett Allen steps up after difficult series showing
The performance marked a significant turnaround for Allen. He had struggled to meet expectations throughout the Raptors series before Game 7.
Despite averaging 15.4 points per game in the regular season, he had not recorded a single 15-point game in the series before the decider. That made his breakout display even more impactful.
Allen now carries momentum into the next round against the Detroit Pistons. His resurgence could prove crucial as Cleveland look to build on their playoff run.
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