7 Takeaways from Cavs Game 7 win over Raptors: Jarrett Allen proves Cavaliers don’t need to be defined by previous failures

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 03: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the third quarter in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on May 03, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images CLEVELAND — Reputations don’t change overnight, especially ones built through years of playoff failures.

The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t alter how they were perceived with a gutsy 114-102 Game 7 win over the Toronto Raptors . They did, however, show that they don’t have to be defined by previous postseason letdowns. Jarrett Allen was the exact opposite of the caricature he’s been made out to be .

He was the toughest player on the court on Sunday with the way he thoroughly dominated the paint on both ends of the floor. Defensively, Allen made it impossible for Toronto to finish inside . He cut off both passing and driving lanes with his activity on defense, resulting in three blocks and two steals.

Allen did this while grabbing 25% of missed shots himself when he was on the floor, translating to 19 rebounds. This all added up to Cleveland having an impressive 101. 4 defensive rating with him playing.