Jarrett Allen made a significant difference for the Cleveland Cavaliers in their Game 7 win over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. Allen's contributions helped the Cavaliers outlast the Raptors and advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals, with a 114-102 win.
It's the third consecutive year that the Cavaliers reached the second round of the postseason. Allen filled the stat sheet with 22 points, 19 rebounds, two steals and three blocks. The big man made a difference on both ends of the floor.
Donovan Mitchell added 22 points on 45.0% shooting. Star guard James Harden also had a productive night for Cleveland with his 18 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Jarrett Allen Joined Nikola Jokic in NBA History
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The NBA posted on X to acknowledge Allen's accomplishment for the Cavaliers. According to the league, he became the first player to have a game with 20+ points, 15+ rebounds and 3+ blocks in a Game 7. The last player to reach the feat was Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.
Fans loved that Allen stepped up for the Cavaliers in a crucial game and received MVP chants for his performance. During his postgame presser, the former Texas star joked about it with Mitchell when he was asked if he ever received such chants from the crowd.
"Probably from the bench jokingly. Got a little nervous out there. I thought it was Donovan Mitchell receiving the MVP chants," he said.
According to ESPN on X, Allen joined former Cavaliers star LeBron James in franchise history. James was the last player for the team to reach 20+ points and 15+ rebounds in a Game 7. The four-time champion posted the stat line on May 27, 2018, against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals.
It was a special night for Allen since it was his first time playing in a Game 7.
"I had a great time doing it… It was a unique experience, driving here from my house. I was like, 'Ah, I am going to a Game 7, everything is on the line.' It's just a different feeling that I have never experienced before. The crowd is into it, I am into it…" he said.
His frontcourt mate, Evan Mobley, had high praise for Allen. He told the media that the Cavaliers center looked "locked in from the jump." There were no lies in what Mobley said of the one-time All-Star.
