Donovan Mitchell told Jarrett Allen to ‘sit down a game’ but Cavaliers big man ‘just won’t do it’

April 3, 2025

Jarrett Allen has played in every game for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, who have the best record in the East and the top offense in the NBA.

Donovan Mitchell has told Allen to sit a game or two since he looks tired, but the Cavaliers big man “just won’t do it.”

“I told him like hey, sit down a game,” Mitchell said. “He just won’t do it. There’s some nights where he’s just tired. I have no doubt … he’ll be ready to go (in the playoffs) on a consistent basis. We all know he’s going to be there for sure.”

Allen is averaging 13.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.9 blocks for the Cavaliers this season while shooting 71.0% from the field and 72.2% from the free-throw line.

Cleveland is 61-15.

“I feel like every year I’ve had something happen in the playoffs to me whether it’s hurt or, yeah, it’s always getting hurt,” Allen said. “I’m just ready to showcase what I have to offer.”

The Cavaliers are averaging 122.4 points. That’s first in the NBA. They have an offensive rating of 122.4. That’s also first in the NBA.

In other Cavaliers news, during an interview with NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports, Mitchell opened up about not being in the MVP conversation.

“I’m not shocked,” Mitchell said. “Because my numbers, my usage, is not as high. I came into the season understanding if we took this approach, that would be the sacrifice. Do I feel like I’m (part of that conversation)? Hell, yeah. But understanding I don’t have the ball in my hands every single possession. And look where we are because of that. That, to me, is going to translate to winning.”

With the playoffs almost here, Mitchell is feeling better than ever, which is great news for the Cavaliers.

“Best I’ve felt in my career, for real,” Mitchell said. “I’m dunking with two hands. Especially coming off last year with the knee injury. People were like, he lost (a step) because I was choosing not to dunk, to kind of rest myself. After the break (this year), I was like, ‘It’s time.’ I feel fresh enough when I do come down the lane I’m willing to go up there.”