The Cleveland Cavaliers leaned on a strong start and an even better third quarter to get the better of the New York Knicks, 109-94, in a matchup between the East’s third and fourth seeds on Wednesday.
Donovan Mitchell’s 23 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals led the Cavs, who have won nine of their last 10 games. James Harden added 20, while Jarrett Allen had 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
Jalen Brunson top-scored for the Knicks with 20 markers but was just 6-for-19 overall. Mikal Bridges had 18 but shot just 6-for-17, as New York was an ice-cold 41% overall.
Jarrett Allen Sparking the Cavs
James Harden has been as good as advertised for the Cavs, putting up 18.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 8.7 assists while shooting 50.7% overall and 47.1% from deep. But more than those numbers, The Beard seems to have also unleashed Cleveland big man Jarrett Allen, who has been thriving as Harden’s usual pick-and-roll partner and getting more touches.
Prior to the Cavs’ big win over the Knicks, Allen had been averaging 20.4 points and 11.3 rebounds. He also dropped 22 and 13 in Harden’s debut against the Denver Nuggets, 21 and 9 against the Washington Wizards, and 26 and 14 against the Charlotte Hornets.
With defenses having no choice but to put much attention on Harden and Mitchell, it’s clear that Cleveland’s other players are now getting more room to operate. Allen, in particular, seems to be benefiting the most, as his recent torrid stretch indicates. And this should bode well for the Cavs, who are looking to make a deeper run in the playoffs in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
Allen, Harden, and the Cavs return to action on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Knicks get a few days off and face the Bucks as well, but on Sunday.
