The Cavaliers will need a statement game from someone to defeat the Hawks

Jarrett Allen or Darius Garland need a statement game against the Atlanta Hawks.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a massive task as the Atlanta Hawks come to town in a game that will decide the 8th seed in the upcoming NBA playoffs. The game will feature Trae Young, one of the best pure scorers in the NBA, trying to propel his team past the Cavs and into the playoffs. Standing in his way will be Darius Garland, who will try to outduel him move for move, shot for shot. That’s not all that will try to slow down Young and the high-volume Hawks, because Jarrett Allen has just been given the green light to return to play for the first time in weeks.

Allen severely hurt a finger on his left hand that has kept him out of action since early March. Without Allen, the Cavs have nosedived and have been unable to clear the paint on defense as easily as they once did.

Now with Allen’s return, the Cavs have a genuine shot to secure the 8th seed in the NBA Playoffs. To do so, however, either Garland or Allen will probably need a major statement game.

The Cleveland Cavaliers need Darius Garland or Jarrett Allen to step up big

Garland and Allen are the two focal points on the Cavs team. Garland guides the offense, and Allen anchors the defense. They’re both vital for the Cavs success. If either man is hindered, limited, or out the Cavs are less potent and less cohesive.

Allen’s return brings hope but his injury was severe, which is why he was held out for as long as he had. He was 50/50 before the announcement early in the afternoon that he was going to play but who knows what kind of shape he’s in.

For the Cavs to succeed, Allen’s going to have to return to his All-Star form rather quickly. Garland’s going to have to prove that he’s as good as his All-Star status claims he is, by going off and matching Young shot for shot.

If just one of those two men can step up, make some noise, and set the tone early and often, then the Cavs will fly right past the Hawks and straight into the flames of the Miami Heat.

The Cavs are going to need Garland or Allen to play a game unlike one they’ve ever played before in order for that to happen, however.

This isn’t a Hawks team that you can just ignore and take lightly.