The Cleveland Cavaliers faced an unexpected delay before their Monday matchup with the Utah Jazz when a faulty backboard needed repair.
As the crew worked to replace the entire rim, the Cavaliers turned what could have been a dull moment into pure entertainment, thanks to an unlikely hero.
Cavs’ center, Jarrett Allen seized the moment to showcase a different side of his game.
With casual confidence, he grabbed a basketball and attempted what seemed like an impossible shot – a one-handed, behind-the-back heave from half-court.
To everyone’s amazement, Allen nailed it on his first try.
While we’re waiting: Jarrett Allen nails the backward half-court shot with the right to @CavsMoondog’s chagrin. #Cavs pic.twitter.com/qv2MONexvu
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) December 24, 2024
Social media immediately lit up with fan reactions. “He can do no wrong,” one fan declared, while another enthusiastically posted, “Cleveland gonna put up a show for Christmas 🎁⛄🎄!!!!”
He can do no wrong
— Chad Michael Burry (@HedgeFungo) December 24, 2024
Cleveland gonna put up a show for Christmas 🎁⛄🎄!!!!
— InvestorX (@Investor_x1) December 24, 2024
The excitement continued with comments like “Delayed start? No problem when Jarrett Allen’s putting on a show!” and a stunned “Allen can do this too? 😳”
Delayed start? No problem when Jarrett Allen’s putting on a show!
— Ed Derv (@derv_ed) December 24, 2024
Allen can do this too? 😳
— Tom LeBronaldo (@LeBrady_Flex) December 24, 2024
What makes this moment particularly special is Allen’s reputation as an interior player.
On a roster featuring sharpshooters like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Sam Merrill, Allen’s typically the last person you’d expect to drain a shot from such distance.
Even Max Strus, who memorably sank a game-winning half-court shot last season, would seem a more likely candidate for such heroics.
Yet here was Allen, who’s attempted just one three-pointer this season and only six the previous year, casually making the impossible look easy.
NEXT: Analyst Reveals What Is Different About This Year's Cavs Team
