Jarrett Allen silences critics with the game of his life

The Cleveland Cavaliers closed out Game 7 against the Toronto Raptors with a final score of 114-102, putting the Cavs into Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs. It was a game that was close for the first half, with both teams heading into halftime tied at 49. It looked like a yet another long night of back-and-forth action just like the rest of the series had been up until that point. Then Jarrett Allen stepped out ontot he court for the third quarter. 

Allen, the Cavs' defensive standout at center, and oftne the subject of fans criticicsm, went on to have the most impactful third quarter of the series, posting a double-double in that single quarter alone. During the third quarter, he scored 10 points, shooting 5-6, while pulling down 10 rebounds against a very tough Raptors squad. Had that been all, his third-quarter stats would've made for a solid outing for the entire game, but that wasn't it for him. 

Allen was a beast for the entire game. For the night, he had 22 points, 19 rebounds, three blocks, and two steals. It was an all-time performance for the center, who stepped up in a big way at a time when the team needed another name to step up. After Game 6, it became obvious that the Cavs needed one of their bigs to step up and help clear the paint offensively. The obvious name was Evan Mobley, especially after the outing he put up.

More: Who are the Cleveland Cavaliers facing in round two of the NBA Playoffs?

Instead, it was Allen who showed up and helped clear the paint, allowing for the Cavs to attack in the paint more often. The Cavs were able to get guys like Donovan Mitchell and James Harden in the paint more often, not only scoring easier buckets as opposed to the junk they were throwing up in Game 6, but also making it easier to get foul calls in their favor.

Attacking the paint was something the Cavaliers had to establish, especially since the team shot just 29% from three for the game. If it wasn't for Allen's ability to manuver in the paint, the Cavs likely go home after this game. The Cavs outrebounded the Raptors 60 rebonds to 33, nearly doubling their opponents efforts on the night. Allen led all players with 19 total rebounds, while having more offensive rebounds (8) than the Raptors entire squad did as a whole (7).

Allen and Mitchell tied for the game high among Cavs players with 22 points scored each.

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