The seven-game series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic is one of the more delightful surprises of the 2024 postseason. While the two teams don’t grab the headlines as much as the other teams in the competition, it’s clear to fans who watched the games that both teams deserve to be in the playoffs.
Since both teams have no clear-cut advantages over their opponents, every minuscule edge can become the thing that gets one ball club over their opponents. For the Cavaliers, they need both Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland to play their best basketball and progress to the next round.
However, one player could become the lynchpin to the Cavaliers’ success against the Magic and any potential series they’ll play in. While he doesn’t grab the headlines as easily as the other NBA stars, his play throughout the postseason more than speaks for his quality.
Jarrett Allen’s incredible numbers may be what the Cleveland Cavaliers need to end the Orlando Magic’s season
Stat Muse posted interesting statistics that paint the center as one of the most consistent performers throughout the playoffs.
Jarrett Allen this postseason:
17.0 PPG
13.8 RPG
67.8 FG%Top 3 in RPG and FG%. https://t.co/fwEUtKkxKf
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 29, 2024
Allen is a tall player at 6’11”, but he’s not a particular giant when you consider that seven-footers like Kevin Durant are playing as forwards. Moritz Wagner is playing well for the Magic, averaging 21.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists through four playoff games.
The fact that Allen can hold his own against Wagner on scoring and rebounds is what the Cavaliers would probably need to make it through the first round. His unwavering presence down low is allowing Mitchell to focus on scoring. It’s also covering for Garland who’s struggling to make a more meaningful impact in the first round.
Allen has come a long way from being a surprising defensive stalwart on the Brooklyn Nets into one of the more reliable presences down low for the Cavs. Fans hope that he’ll continue this streak throughout the Cavs’ postseason and the coming years.
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