Jarrett Allen's Dominance Propels Cavaliers Past Raptors in Game 7, Setting Up Pistons Showdown

Key facts

• Cavaliers defeat Raptors 114-102 in Game 7 to win series 4-3.
• Jarrett Allen scores 22 points and grabs 19 rebounds, including 8 offensive boards.
• Cleveland ends first half on 11-2 run, starts second half on 11-1 run.
• Home team wins every game in the series; home teams are now 117-41 all-time in Game 7s.
• Cavaliers face top-seeded Pistons in Eastern Conference Semifinals starting Tuesday in Detroit.
• Allen records 3 blocks, 2 steals, and 2 assists in the decisive game.

Cavaliers Overcome Raptors in Decisive Game 7

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors 114-102 on Sunday to clinch their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series 4-3. The victory sends the fourth-seeded Cavaliers into the conference semifinals against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, with Game 1 scheduled for Tuesday in Detroit at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBC Sports. The series had been tied at three games apiece, with the aggregate score deadlocked at 669-669 through six contests. Game 7 was tied at halftime, but Cleveland seized control with a dominant second-half performance.

Allen's Paint Domination Fuels Cleveland's Second-Half Surge

Jarrett Allen delivered a career-defining performance, tying a team-high with 22 points and collecting a game-high 19 rebounds. He shot 7-for-11 from the field, all at the rim, and grabbed eight offensive rebounds — one more than the entire Raptors team. Allen also recorded three blocks, two steals, and two assists, including three putback scores and a free throw off his offensive boards. Cleveland ended the first half on an 11-2 run and opened the second half with an 11-1 burst, building a 19-point lead in the third quarter and a 22-point advantage in the fourth. The Cavaliers' defense and offense took control in the second half, allowing them to close out the series.

Home-Court Advantage Proves Decisive in Series Without Road Wins

The Cavaliers-Raptors series was the only first-round matchup without a road victory, with the home team winning every game. Sunday's result extended the all-time home-team record in Game 7s to 117-41, following the Philadelphia 76ers' win at the Boston Celtics and the Detroit Pistons' victory over the Orlando Magic on Saturday. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "We go in there as underdogs, which is a challenge. It's going to be a similar series, being able to handle their pressure, their rebounding, their force, their physicality. So hopefully, this series prepared us for that."

Pistons Await in Lake Erie Series Showdown

The Cavaliers will now face the Detroit Pistons in what is being dubbed the Lake Erie series, with the Pistons holding home-court advantage as the top seed. The Pistons advanced by defeating the Orlando Magic in Game 7 on Sunday, setting up a matchup between two teams that have not met in the playoffs since 2018. Cleveland's path to the semifinals was forged through a grueling seven-game series against Toronto, a team known for its physical play. Atkinson noted that the Raptors series should prepare his squad for the Pistons' similar style of pressure, rebounding, and force.

Allen's Playoff Struggles and Redemption

Jarrett Allen's performance in Game 7 was a stark contrast to the struggles of Pistons center Jalen Duren, whose playoff difficulties have been cited as bad news for Allen. Duren's inability to dominate the paint in Detroit's first-round series against Orlando has raised questions about how Allen will fare against the Pistons' frontcourt. However, Allen's dominance on the boards and in the paint against Toronto suggests he is peaking at the right time. His eight offensive rebounds were a key factor in Cleveland's second-half surge, and his ability to score at the rim will be critical against a Pistons team that prides itself on interior defense.

What's Next: Game 1 in Detroit

The Cavaliers and Pistons will tip off Game 1 on Tuesday in Detroit, with the winner advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. The series promises to be a physical battle, with both teams boasting strong frontcourts and aggressive defenses. Cleveland will look to carry the momentum from their Game 7 victory, while Detroit will aim to use their home-court advantage and rest after closing out their series on Saturday. The outcome of the series could hinge on which team controls the paint, making Jarrett Allen's performance a key storyline to watch.

The bottom line

• Jarrett Allen's 22-point, 19-rebound performance in Game 7 was pivotal in the Cavaliers' series-clinching win.
• The Cavaliers become the only team in the first round to advance without a road victory, as home teams dominated the series.
• Cleveland will face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, starting Tuesday in Detroit.
• Allen's eight offensive rebounds outnumbered the Raptors' team total, highlighting his dominance on the glass.
• Coach Kenny Atkinson emphasized the challenge of facing the Pistons' pressure and physicality, similar to the Raptors series.