Jarrett Allen shines as Cavaliers clash with surging Suns
The Cleveland Cavaliers are returning to their home court tonight, buoyed by a renewed sense of confidence. They’ll face a formidable challenge right away in the form of the Phoenix Suns, who are currently in the midst of one of their best stretches of basketball this season.
Cavaliers bounce back with dominant victory
Cleveland’s resurgence began with a commanding 113-101 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, largely thanks to center Jarrett Allen’s standout performance. Allen delivered a powerful 27-point outing while securing 10 rebounds, showcasing one of his most physical displays of the season. His aggressive play was particularly noteworthy as he faced off against Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama.
Despite Wembanyama’s impressive stats—26 points and 14 rebounds—Allen’s tenacity in the paint minimized the French phenom’s influence when it mattered most. This performance silenced a wave of skepticism surrounding Allen’s toughness, a topic that had been a point of contention among critics.
The Cavaliers also demonstrated their resilience as a team, proving they can secure victories even when their leading scorer struggles. All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell was limited to a season-low 10 points but still made his presence felt with seven assists and three steals. Point guard Darius Garland played a crucial role in maintaining Cleveland’s offensive flow, contributing 15 points and 11 assists to the win.
“It’s just us getting back on track,” Allen remarked after the game. “And trying to be the best team in the East.” This ambition is now on the line as the Cavaliers kick off a three-game homestand, with contests against the Suns, Denver Nuggets, and Detroit Pistons ahead. They aim to build momentum after a rocky stretch that has seen them drop two of their last three games, leaving them with a 3-5 record since December 14.
Suns arrive in Cleveland riding high
On the other side of the court, the Suns are entering Cleveland riding a four-game winning streak, looking to match their longest run of the season. Phoenix solidified its momentum with a 115-101 victory over the Washington Wizards on Monday. Dillon Brooks led the charge with 26 points, while Collin Gillespie added an impressive 25 points and six assists.
Gillespie has emerged as a key player for the Suns, averaging 19.3 points, 7.3 assists, and 1.7 steals over the past three games, all while shooting an impressive 54.5 percent from three-point range. The undrafted Villanova product initially signed with the Denver Nuggets before finding his footing in Phoenix. He is expected to make his career-high 14th start on Wednesday, currently averaging 13.9 points and 5.1 assists per game.
“When you’re playing with guys like Devin Booker, it makes it a lot easier,” Gillespie acknowledged. “Book has a lot of gravity on the floor, too.”
With the Cavaliers searching for consistency and the Suns brimming with confidence, tonight’s matchup promises to be a fascinating clash of contrasting styles and trajectories. As both teams aim to assert their dominance, fans can expect an exhilarating contest that could reshape the landscape of their respective seasons.
