CLEVELAND — With two key players out due to COVID-19 protocols and a third suffering a torn meniscus, the Cavs have managed to win games, in large part, due to the efforts of center Jarrett Allen.
On Monday, the NBA recognized the center’s performance by naming him the Eastern Conference’s Player of the Week.
The Cavs finished the week on Sunday with a 4-0 record as they defeated the Knicks 126-109. The Cavs were without Kevin Love and Lauri Markkanen who have been out due to COVID-19 protocols.
Cleveland finished Sunday’s game without guard Collin Sexton. On Monday, the Cavs announced Sexton suffered a torn meniscus. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a torn meniscus can take several months to recover from with rehab. The Cavs have not set a timetable for Sexton’s return.
Allen had double-doubles in all four games last week while averaging 20.5 points on .633 shooting from the field and an NBA-best 16.3 rebounds per game. He was also the first Cavs player in nearly a decade to have four straight games with 15 points and 15 rebounds.
Allen is the first Cavs player to win Player of the Week honors since LeBron James earned the award in 2018.
After playing seven out of eight contests, including games on both coasts and in Canada, the Cavs return home for eight of their next 10 games. Cleveland next faces Washington on Wednesday.
