Jarrett Allen

Tari Eason learned a valuable rookie lesson: challenging Jarrett Allen inside will likely end in rejection. Eason thought he was a step ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers defense in transition but Allen had other ideas as he tracked the Houston Rockets forward into the lane and landed an epic block at the rim. The swat was part of an impactful night on both ends of the court for Allen as he shot 8 for 11 and posted team-highs of 24 points and 14 rebounds while also blocking three shots in Cleveland’s 108-91 triumph on March 26, 2023. As a team, the Cavs had the No. 1 defensive rating in the NBA, and Allen’s rim protection, rotational movement, timing and active hands made him one of the league’s more impactful two-way big men — he also shot better than 60 percent from the field for the fifth consecutive season.