ORLANDO, Fla. — Move over, Elmore Smith and Andre Drummond.
Jarrett Allen is the new franchise leader.
The afro-sporting center and defensive linchpin, whose involvement has increased in the absence of Darius Garland (fractured jaw) and Evan Mobley (knee surgery), set the Cavs mark for consecutive double-doubles during Monday night’s 126-99 rout of the vanishing Orlando Magic.
It’s Cleveland’s eighth straight win. The Magic have lost six of their last eight.
At the 6:03 mark of the third quarter, Orlando forward Paolo Banchero missed a 13-foot jumper. Allen extended his Gumby-like right arm and pulled down the rebound — his 10th of the night, securing a 12th straight double-double, passing Smith and Drummond, and causing Cleveland’s bench to stand up in unison to celebrate the historic feat.
More Cavs coverage
“It’s a compliment to him, but not just because it’s a record, but because of the moment and when he was able to set that record,” Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “When you lose a guy like Evan and we understand how important Evan is to us, Jarrett recognized that he had to do more. He’s been dominant. He’s been All-Star-worthy through this stretch and through this season.
“Getting those rebounds isn’t easy. Defending the way he has to and then finishing possessions isn’t easy. I think the thing that stands out to me is just a willingness to grind it out and do it when your teammates need you the most.”
Allen’s individual accomplishment was the only bit of intrigue in an otherwise unstimulating blowout.
“It feels good,” Allen said. “When I figured out that I had eight [rebounds], I was striving more for it. When I was getting close, you could hear them counting down. I could hear Tristan [Thompson] on the sidelines cheering me on. Always going to be in the record book. It’s in stone now.”
Looking to continue this three-week stretch of dominance, the Cavs rattled off the first seven points. They had a double-digit lead about four minutes in.
As halftime approached, Cleveland extended that advantage to a then-game-high 28 points. The already-inflated margin increased even more in the second half, reaching 36 in the fourth quarter.
The Cavs never trailed Monday night. It’s the third game in a row that’s been the case. The last time they were behind, at any point, was a week ago. It lasted for 35 total seconds in the fourth quarter against Chicago on Jan. 15. Monday is also the sixth time winning by double figures during this eight-game streak. It’s the fourth straight game holding an opponent below the 100-point mark.
“Our defense has just been incredible,” Bickerstaff said.
Same with the offense. The tone-setting first quarter featured a barrage of 3-pointers and a 38-point eruption. The Cavs hit eight triples, tying a season-high for a quarter.
By the end of the night, Cleveland’s collection of bombers had connected on 20 — three away from a season best.
As he has done frequently over the last eight games, Allen helped set the tone on defense. He finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks in 27 forceful minutes. His record-setting night came with one of his mentors and early-career development coaches on the opposite side, Orlando assistant Bret Brielmaier.
“I went up to him after the game and I told him about it,” Allen said. “It would be when we play him. It’s a special moment when someone sees you grow from rookie in the NBA to where I am now.
“With him, I was trying to build a foundation. For a house, you have to build a sturdy foundation for it to last and now I get to build the house. I get to figure out my passing game. I get to figure out my mid-range game. Become a complete player.”
At the other end, likely All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell nursed the surgical offense like a natural. Mitchell matched his career-high with 13 assists. He also tallied 25 points, three rebounds and four steals in 30 productive minutes despite sitting the entire fourth quarter, often running along the baseline while celebrating his teammates’ accomplishments.
“He understands where we are and what his teammates need,” Bickerstaff said of Mitchell’s impact. “That’s something that is understated about his game. He has an extreme empathy for his teammates. He knows he has the ball in his hands. He knows he can create a shot whenever he wants to. But he is so dedicated to his teammates and making sure they’re successful, and he is just doing the job of getting them the ball when they’re open. He knows if he leads by selflessness then there is nobody else who can’t play that same way.”
Sharpshooter Sam Merrill was on the receiving end of many of those Mitchell-led celebrations. Merrill poured in a game-high 26 points on 8 of 13 shooting, all of his attempts coming from 3-point range.
Craig Porter Jr., getting more opportunity in place of injured guard Caris LeVert who missed his second straight game with a sprained right wrist, added 12 points off the bench.
Georges Niang (11 points) and Max Strus (10) also reached double figures. The Cavs shot 56.3% from the field and 52.6% from 3-point range.
Orlando was led by Banchero’s 18 points. Franz Wagner chipped in with 17.
There was plenty to toast on Monday night.
An eighth straight victory. Another resounding triumph that led to an audible “Let’s go Cavs” chant near Cleveland’s bench in the closing minutes. A 26-15 record at the season’s halfway point.
But nothing more meaningful than Allen rewriting Cavs history — and receiving his first ever game ball.
“I never wanted one before,” Allen humbly said. “I feel like this is a good accomplishment.”
The Cavs will continue their road trip on Wednesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.
