Jarrett Allen Guides Cavaliers into Paris Clash Against Nets
Almost three years ago, Jarrett Allen found himself part of a significant trade, moving from the Brooklyn Nets to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a four-team deal that brought James Harden to the Nets from the Houston Rockets.
Jarrett Allen
While Harden has since departed from the Nets, Allen has flourished as a consistent double-double threat with the Cavaliers. As the NBA’s Global Games take center stage in Paris, Allen seeks his eighth consecutive double-double when the Cavaliers go head-to-head with the Nets on Thursday.
Cleveland faced a setback on December 14 when it lost Darius Garland to a broken jaw and Evan Mobley to left knee surgery, slipping just one game above .500. However, they have rebounded impressively with an 8-3 record over the past 11 games. In this stretch, Allen has been a standout, averaging 19.4 points on an impressive 66.7% shooting and grabbing 13.2 rebounds.
In the recent victory over the San Antonio Spurs, Allen showcased his prowess with 29 points and 16 rebounds, effectively defending top overall pick Victor Wembanyama. So far this season, the 25-year-old Allen boasts averages of 14.8 points and 9.9 rebounds with a dozen double-doubles in 31 games.
Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff acknowledges Allen’s outstanding contributions, suggesting he deserves serious consideration for All-Star accolades. Bickerstaff praised Allen, stating, “I don’t know many big guys, if any, that are playing better than him right now.”
While Allen has been a force for the Cavaliers, the Nets find themselves in a challenging phase, entering their eighth international regular-season game amid a 3-11 slump since December 13. The recent 134-127 overtime loss to the Portland Trail Blazers highlighted defensive struggles, with the Nets allowing at least 120 points eight times in this stretch.
Cleveland has dominated recent matchups, winning the past three meetings by a combined nine points. The Cavaliers aim to build on their momentum, with the Nets seeking a turnaround in their challenging season.
