The “lights” of the 2024 NBA Playoffs — as Jarrett Allen once famously conceded — might’ve indeed been “brighter than expected.” Though, in proving 2025’s postseason to be a different story, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ All-Star center transformed into something quite ironic in Round 1: a dark, hovering cloud over the Miami Heat’s transition plans. Forced to promptly flip the switch from offense to defense after his point guard’s inbound pass goes slightly overbaked, Allen stays stride-for-stride with Bam Adebayo during a testy two-on-two transition tango. Protecting his home floor in a most literal sense, Allen uses an ambitious, beautifully-timed leap to send Miami’s fellow all-w0rld big away with a chasedown block. In what ultimately became the most lopsided series in the league’s postseason history, Allen’s around-the-rim brilliance became commonplace. During April 20, 2025’s statement-sending opener, Allen reeled in a double-double through 12 points (on five-of-eight shooting), 11 rebounds, one assist, three steals, and a block. · Apr 20, 2025