These are Jarrett Allen’s Cavs, Atkinson: “He was incredible”

In the end, when it truly matters, someone has to take center stage. And in Game 7 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors, that someone was Jarrett Allen, the clear star of a 114-102 win that sends the Cavs through.

Allen had never played in a Game 7 before. And it was obvious right away that this was no ordinary night for him.

I realized everything was on the line while I was driving to the arena

Jarrett Allen

Jarrett Allen takes over

The numbers tell the story: 22 points and 19 rebounds, but above all a devastating impact in the decisive stretch. After an even first half, Allen broke the game open in the third quarter with 14 points, 10 rebounds (5 offensive), and a block, leading a 38-19 run that definitively swung the matchup.

Head coach Kenny Atkinson didn’t hide his admiration:

That was the best version of Allen I’ve ever seen. We needed presence near the rim and somebody besides Harden and Mitchell. He was incredible

Kenny Atkinson

Criticism for Harden and Mitchell

Despite struggles from the duo of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers still won by double digits. Mitchell finished with 22 points, Harden had 18, but neither shot efficiently.

The criticism came quickly. Charles Barkley was blunt:

You gave us nothing in this series. It’s becoming a reputation…

Charles Barkley

Shaquille O’Neal added more:

Need more. I played with guys who walked into the locker room saying, ‘I’m about to destroy tonight.’ You need that mentality

Shaquille O’Neal

Donovan Mitchell, however, looked at the bigger picture:

It’s not just about me and Harden. It’s Allen, it’s Mobley, it’s the whole group. That’s how you really win

Donovan Mitchell

Raptors fight despite injuries

Credit also goes to Toronto. Without Brandon Ingram in the final games and without Immanuel Quickley for the entire series, the Raptors still pushed Cleveland to Game 7.

Scottie Barnes (24 points, 9 rebounds) and RJ Barrett (23 points) led a team that, in its first playoff appearance since 2022, showed real toughness.

Atkinson acknowledged it:

This series toughened us up. Physicality, pace, athleticism… it wasn’t easy. But these are exactly the kinds of battles that help you grow

Kenny Atkinson

Cavaliers advance: Pistons up next

With the win, the Cleveland Cavaliers move on to the Eastern Conference semifinals, where the top-seeded Detroit Pistons await.

Game 1 is right around the corner: Tuesday night in Detroit.

And Cleveland moves forward with one clear lesson: star talent alone isn’t enough. When the stakes rise, you need someone willing to give more.