Jarrett Allen draws blunt praise from James Harden after Cavs’ back-to-back wins
James Harden said Jarrett Allen is "better than I thought he was" after Cleveland’s 112-84 win over the Brooklyn Nets — the team’s sixth straight victory — a span that has seen Allen become a clear focal point of the offense.
Allen’s impact: double-doubles and a 23-minute clinic
In the 112-84 win over Brooklyn, Allen produced a double-double in 23 minutes of action, a continuation of a recent run that includes double-doubles in five of his last six games and at least 20 points in four of those six. That stretch followed a career-defining outing on February 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers, when Allen scored 40 points and grabbed 17 rebounds while adding five assists, four blocks and a pair of steals.
Jarrett Allen’s recent surge
Allen’s night against the Charlotte Hornets made it clear he’s been central to Cleveland’s success: he scored 26 points on 11-for-15 shooting and pulled down 14 rebounds in a 118-113 win, the Cavs’ seventh straight victory and the team’s second game in as many nights. Coverage from the game noted that Cleveland looks its best when Allen is actively involved in the offense and that his screening and rim pressure open looks for teammates.
Harden’s blunt assessment and what he praised
After the Nets game, Harden offered an unsparing compliment: "I can say he's better than I thought he was. He's able to catch the ball and finish around the rim with both hands. He has so much touch around the rim, and that's one of the most underrated parts of his game. " Harden’s comment followed observations that he has a history of elevating centers' play, having helped Clint Capela and Ivica Zubac in past seasons. The win over Brooklyn was also the first time Harden, Allen and Evan Mobley shared the floor in the same game.
What the Cavs will watch next
Coaches and coverage have highlighted the question of how Allen and Mobley will mix alongside Harden; writers noted that the team will watch how Mobley and Allen mix with Harden over the next few games. If Allen keeps producing the finishing and rim pressure shown in his recent games — including the 26/14 effort against Charlotte and the 40/17 performance on February 1 — Cleveland’s frontcourt configuration will be a focal point in upcoming matchups.
The immediate timeline is simple: Cleveland’s string of wins will now be measured against how consistently Allen can be fed and how Harden continues to distribute in pick-and-roll actions. The team will head into its next scheduled game with the recent streak and Allen’s elevated role front of mind.
