Employing the NBA’s No. 1 paint scorer over the last three seasons has given the Milwaukee Bucks ample opportunities to leave opponents with the classic “deer the headlights” look in transition. Uniquely positioned to keep the Cleveland Cavaliers’ quick-hitting offensive train ahead of schedule, Jarrett Allen decided to turn the tables during November 4, 2024’s battle. Putting first a padlock on the Milwaukee Bucks’ double drag screen design, Allen turns Damian Lillard’s deflected pass into a rare, one-man fastbreak. Imposing enough in his steps to prompt A.J. Green into making a “business decision,” Allen barrels through a now-surrendered paint, powering in a rim-shaking jam that sends shockwaves up the arena. Allen’s second quarter flush only marked the beginning of his impressive play, as he collected 14 points (on 7-of-14 shooting), 15 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one game-clinching block. Such sequences helped the Cavaliers move to 8-0 on the just-beginning season, establishing them as one of the Eastern Conference’s true elites. · Nov 5, 2024