Cavs fans were scratching their heads during the second half of the game against the Spurs—where’s Jarrett Allen? Did he tweak something? Was it the coach’s decision? Turns out, it’s none of that.

According to the Cavs TV broadcast, Allen’s early exit is actually part of a “strategic compromise”. The team is trying to pull off a bit of a balancing act—giving Allen some much-needed rest while still keeping his ironman streak of playing all 82 games alive. Smart, right?

Danny Cunningham reported in a tweet: “#Cavs TV broadcast says that Jarrett Allen is likely not to play in the second half and that this is a way of compromising to let him play in all 82 games but still find ways to rest.” Basically, he suits up, plays a bit, and then gets the rest of the night off. It’s a clever way to manage minutes without technically taking a game off. The move shows how much the Cavs value Allen’s presence—both on the court and as a symbol of consistency—and how they’re thinking long-term while still competing game to game.

This season, the 25-year-old big man is averaging 13.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, providing the Cavs with a reliable presence in the paint on both ends. It’s a bit of a loophole. But he stays fresh for the playoffs while keeping his name in the “82-club” conversation, and the team gets to experiment with rotations and rest other key players.

That said, it’s not without risks. If the Cavs find themselves in a tight matchup and Allen’s out for the second half, it could backfire… like it almost did recently.

Cavs vs Spurs: Cavs Hit the Brakes, Spurs Hit the Gas

Alright, so the Cavs were on a roll, having had the lead pretty much all game long and looking like they were just out for a casual Saturday stroll against the young Spurs squad. The only real “uh-oh” moment came in the third quarter when San Antonio cut it to six—but even then, it felt under control.

Fast forward to the final two minutes. Scoreboard says 114-107, with the Cavs in front. You’re thinking, “Cool, wrap it up, let’s go home.” But wait—114? That was it. That was the Cavs’ final score. For the entire last two minutes, Cleveland didn’t score at all. Not a free throw. Not a layup. Not even a mercy bucket. Meanwhile, the Spurs went into full “we’ve got nothing to lose” mode and started chipping away.

Fans went from chillin’ on the couch to full panic mode real quick. What felt like a smooth ride suddenly looked like a car with the engine light flashing. But hey—they held on. Barely. A win’s a win, right?

With just five games left in the regular season and a playoff spot already locked in, the Cavs can afford to get a little creative—whether it’s managing Jarrett Allen’s minutes or riding out a few close calls like this one. But as fun (and stressful) as this finish was, the real work is about to begin. The road to the championship is officially on. The vibes are good, the squad is locked in, and the playoffs are just around the corner. Buckle up, Cavs fans—it’s about to get real.