The Cleveland Cavaliers are experiencing a resurgence, and much of it can be credited to the arrival of James Harden and the impressive play of Jarrett Allen. Since the Cavs' victory over the Portland Trail Blazers earlier this month, where Allen dropped 40 points, he's been on an offensive tear. Averaging 21.4 points and racking up eight double-doubles in nine games, Allen has become a key force for Cleveland.
The turning point for Allen seems to have come in late January when Evan Mobley suffered a second calf strain. This prompted head coach Kenny Atkinson to rely on Allen to anchor the paint.
Atkinson's message was clear: Allen needed to step up and fill the void left by Mobley's absence. Allen embraced the challenge, focusing on playing freely and enjoying the game.
"I always try to say I’m the perfect soldier," Allen shared. "You tell me to do something, I’m gonna blindly go do it, whether I believe it or not.
And it’s just been working."
Earlier in the season, Allen faced setbacks with a fractured left finger and a sprained right finger, which affected his signature touch around the rim. Last year, he boasted a 70 percent shooting rate, and he's determined to return to that form. "I pride myself on the touch around the rim," Allen said, acknowledging the struggle but also his progress in regaining his form.
Since teaming up with Harden, Allen has been a revelation. In seven games, he's averaged 20.4 points and 11.3 rebounds, shooting an incredible 76.7 percent from the field. Harden has been quick to recognize Allen’s impact, noting that he’s even better than expected.
Cleveland's record since Harden joined the starting lineup is an impressive 6-1, boosting their overall standing to 37-22 and tying them for the third seed in the Eastern Conference. While Harden's arrival was anticipated to elevate the Cavs, the tangible results on the court have proven that this team is a formidable contender in the league.