Jarrett Allen's Game 7 performance matches LeBron James in Cavs' history

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen. Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Jarrett Allen's Game 7 performance matches LeBron James in Cavaliers' history

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated May 3, 2026 11:05 PM ET

One key role player made history as the Cleveland Cavaliers punched their ticket to the second round with a 114-102 win over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night.

While it took a total team effort for the Cavaliers to clinch their first-round series in seven games, Jarrett Allen stepped up more than anyone else. In fact, Allen made such an impact that his performance placed his name next to LeBron James in franchise history.

Jarrett Allen's name will now be forever next to LeBron James' in Cavaliers' history

Allen scored 22 points in 33 minutes, connecting on 7-of-11 shots from the field. But what Allen produced in addition to scoring is why the Cavaliers advanced, and his game will forever go down in Cleveland lore.

He also brought down 19 rebounds, dished out a pair of assists, picked up two steals and even blocked three shots. Allen became only the second Cavaliers player with at least 20 points and 15 or more rebounds in a game seven.

James was the first, doing it in the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals.

Jarrett Allen is the second Cavaliers player in postseason history with 20+ PTS and 15+ REB in Game 7

He joins LeBron James on May 27, 2018 vs. the Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals. pic.twitter.com/PqjbKz78ZQ
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) May 4, 2026

Donovan Mitchell and James Harden also did their jobs in the Game 7 win

Beyond Allen, the Cavaliers' top stars also contributed to the win. Donovan Mitchell shared in the scoring lead with 22 points of his own. He hit 9-of-20 shots from the field and splashed a couple of threes, as well. Mitchell also registered three rebounds and one assist.

James Harden scored 18 in 37 minutes with six boards and a trio of assists and steals. Evan Mobley put 13 points on the scoreboard, too.

But even though it took everyone pulling at the same rope to get out of a series that saw Toronto win Game 6 thanks to a miraculous shot in the final seconds to force game seven, Allen stood out above the rest and will forever be part of a big playoff win for the Cavaliers, granted one that the team and fans hope is just the first of many throughout the rest of the postseason.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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