Cavaliers’ Jarrett Allen Leads Strong First Quarter In Win Over Hawks

Cleveland scored 41 points in the opening period last night, their most in a quarter this season, with Allen making franchise history.

Last night, the Cleveland Cavaliers began their four-game homestand with a 127-119 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

The win also snapped Cleveland’s three-game losing streak, which was tied for their longest of the season.

The catalyst for the Cavaliers’ victory was their best offensive first quarter of the season, which was spearheaded by star center Jarrett Allen.

According to @CavsNotes on X, Allen’s 17 first-quarter points were the most in a single quarter in his NBA career.

.@_bigjayy_ has already scored 16 PTS in the opening quarter.

That is his most points he's ever scored in a single period of his @NBA career.

His previous best for a quarter was 15 PTS (Nov. 1, 2021 at CHA, 1st Q).#LetEmKnow

— Cavs Notes (@CavsNotes) December 17, 2023

The 25-year-old went a perfect 8-for-8 from the field and made his only free throw attempt, while also recording three rebounds, one assist, and one block in the opening period.

Dec 16, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) dunks during the first quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse / © Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

According to @CavsNotes on X, Allen became the first Cleveland player to shoot at least 8-for-8 from the field in a single quarter since LeBron James on April 11, 2008, who shot 10-for-10 in the first quarter against the Chicago Bulls.

.@_bigjayy_ is the first @cavs player to shoot 8-8 FG or better in a single period since LeBron James on April 11, 2008 vs. CHI (10-10 FG in 1st Q).#LetEmKnow

— Cavs Notes (@CavsNotes) December 17, 2023

After falling behind 3-2, the Cavaliers used a 14-0 run over a 3:14 span to take a 16-3 lead, which they did not relinquish for the rest of the night. Allen scored eight of the Wine and Gold’s 14 points in this span, with the other six courtesy of two three-pointers from Dean Wade.

As a team, Cleveland shot 18-for-29 (64.3%) in the first quarter, including 4-for-9 (44.4%) from three-point range, as it outscored Atlanta 41-28 in the game’s first 12 minutes.

According to @CavsNotes on X, the Cavaliers’ 41 first-quarter points were their most in a quarter this season.

The @cavs scored 41 PTS in the opening quarter, their MOST in any quarter this season.

Cleveland shot 18-27 (.667) from the field and had 11 AST.@_bigjayy_ is 8-8 FG and has a game-high 17 PTS. @spidadmitchell has a game-high 5 ASTS.#LetEmKnow

— Cavs Notes (@CavsNotes) December 17, 2023

Despite missing both Darius Garland and Evan Mobley due to long-term injuries, the Wine and Gold were still able to generate a fast offensive start and hold the lead for nearly the entire game.

Up next, Cleveland will host the Houston Rockets tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m.