"I'm Just Having Fun:" Jarrett Allen On Dominant Stretch With Cavs

Jarrett Allen has helped the Cleveland Cavaliers go 9-3 over their last 12 games.

Eight straight double-doubles, finding open teammates, and getting the job done on the defensive end have been the story of the last month of Jarrett Allen's play. He looks like an All-Star and has helped the Cleveland Cavaliers in so many ways with all the injuries they have on the roster.

What's changed for Allen? What's been the secret behind all of this recent success? It's not as in-depth as one may think. He's just having a good time on the floor and not playing with any worry.

"I'm just having fun with it, said Allen after Cleveland's victory in Paris. "Honestly, when I'm just having fun with the game, that's when I feel I'm at my best. I'm just being loose. I train hard in the summer and in the offseason and then I just have to relax and fall back on what I know."

Dec 23, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots a free throw against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports / © Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Allen scored 12 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and had four assists in the Cavs' victory over the Brooklyn Nets in France. Those are impressive numbers, but that stat line is fairly standard compared to the performance he's put up over the last month.

Since December 15, Allen is averaging 18.8 points, 13.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks. The team is clearly feeling his impact too as the Cavs are 9-3 in that stretch.

Yes, playing in the NBA is a job, and it's a profession that can come with plenty of high-pressure moments. But at the end of the day, it's the sport that so many grew up playing. It's a game that is supposed to be fun.

Allen has captured that magic and it's leading to incredible results for himself and the team.