Cleveland’s Allen Stays Hot as Cavs Navigate Harden Thumb Injury
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Jarrett Allen’s surge began before James Harden ever put on a Cavaliers uniform, and it has only accelerated since. Head coach Kenny Atkinson privately challenged the center on Jan. 28, and Allen has responded with averages of 20.8 points and 11.2 rebounds while Cleveland has gone 9-3 over that span.
“Probably,” the typically understated Allen said when asked this week if he is in the best stretch of his career. “The numbers speak for themselves.”
Harden’s arrival has added space for Allen in pick-and-roll sets, but the 25-year-old was already trending upward when the trade deadline passed without the rumored move that briefly put him in speculation.
Schroder steps in for sidelined Harden
With Harden out Wednesday in Milwaukee because of a fractured right thumb, Dennis Schroder drew the start at point guard and finished with 26 points and five assists in Cleveland’s narrow loss. Atkinson called Schroder “a starting point guard in this league” and the veteran said he expects to be fine after rolling an ankle late in the game.
Cleveland believes Schroder can shoulder the load if Harden misses additional time.
Harden injury considered short-term
Team officials remain optimistic that Harden’s absence will be brief. The injury affects his right (non-shooting) thumb, a specialist has ruled out surgery, and the schedule includes a natural break next week. Harden, known for playing through pain, is not expected to sit longer than necessary.
The Cavaliers return to action later this week still riding Allen’s production and looking to stay afloat until their All-Star guard is cleared.
Source: Hoops Wire
