The Cleveland Cavaliers have two defensive anchors in the paint.
They’re different from one another, but they complement each other pretty well.
Of course, Jarrett Allen is more known for his rim protection.
However, stats say otherwise.
As shown by the Cavaliers on X, Allen set a new franchise playoff record with six steals in the win over the Miami Heat.
Oh, you thought JA just blocked shots on defense?
His SIX steals tied a Cavs record for most in a playoff game. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/qOaoXk85PK
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 29, 2025
To make this even more impressive, Allen just needed 25 minutes to do so.
The star big man finished the game with 14 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting, adding 12 boards and two assists.
While he didn’t get an All-Star nod this season, Allen has been the team’s fourth star by a significant margin.
He anchors the paint, and while Evan Mobley doesn’t need that much help, he allows him to gamble a little because he knows there’s another strong line of defense standing right beside him.
Allen isn’t much of a factor on offense, but he can certainly be a force when he’s locked in.
Other than his emphatic dunks and alley-oop posters, he’s not the kind of big man who will put the ball on the floor or dominate in the post, which is perhaps why he doesn’t get enough recognition.
Nevertheless, he’s one of the most serviceable big men in the Association.
He will be crucial in the matchup with the Indiana Pacers, and coach Kenny Atkinson will have to figure out the best way to deploy him against their one-two punch of shooting bigs.
NEXT: Insider Reveals Major Concern For Cavs Against Pacers In Playoffs
