Strong dialogue, the Cavaliers coach challenged Cavaliers center Allen before the Pacers

Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson asked star big man Jarrett Allen to adapt to and slow the Pacers' high-energy offense. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers will meet in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs opener, which will be their fifth encounter this season, but it is the first game that really matters. Although the future tactical level is full of variables, one thing is already very clear. Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson will focus Cleveland's defense directly on his star big man Jarrett Allen.

"We all know that Jarrett Allen's next step is being able to defend five perimeter players," Atkinson said. "I think this is a challenge." But his abilities are far more than that, and his versatility is also reflected. I want to say that they do use this, but we also have two big guys on the offense, so they have to guard against us, right? This is hard for us to defend.

"But I think when we get these two big guys together, plus our offensive rebounds and J.A.'s pick-and-roll offense, they have to defend him. So, on the one hand, that seems to be a disadvantage for us. On the other hand, it may be an advantage for us." The Pacers entered this series with one of the most dynamic offensive systems in the NBA playoffs. The Pacers have a smooth five-outside system that opens up the defensive space by always keeping five shooters on the court. This is not just theoretical space. The Pacers have seven players averaging double-digit points in the playoffs, leading the teams: Pascal Siakam (19.8 points per game), Tyres Halliburton (17.6 points per game), Myers Turner (16.8 points per game), Andrew Nemhard (15.0 points per game), Aaron Nesmith (14.8 points per game), Benedict Mathulin (10.3 points per game) and T.J. McConnell (10.0 points per game). Not only is this balanced score rare, but it is almost difficult to sustain for a defense that cannot fully cover the space on the field.

"Oh, the hardest thing to defend in a basketball game are the five outside pitchers. That's it," Atkinson said. "So you have to decide how much you want to invest. It's a Boston puzzle, and it's a problem for Indiana. How much do you want to switch defenses? Will you keep marking? Obviously, against Miami, we've been marking a lot, right? We didn't switch defenses as much. But this series may be different because of the five-man out."

Jarrett Allen knows the challenges the Cavaliers face against the Pacers. This strategic fork directly involves Allen, the backbone of Cleveland’s defense, and his franchise and rebounding skills have long been praised, but his ability to move in space is not always as good. Now, his mobility will face unprecedented tests. The Pacers would pull him away from the basket, keep moving to get him pick-and-roll, and let him either chase him or be torn by his opponent.

But Allen did not shy away from this confrontation, he seemed to be actively seeking opportunities.

"It's important," Allen said. "They are the players. Myers, Siakam, they are all outside players, and after all, I'm not used to defending on the outside. Everyone knows that. So, for me, I have to work harder. It won't be perfect for me. But I'll try to reduce the damage from the outside."

However, Allen is not alone. Cleveland's defense is already one of the best in the league, ranking second in the first round defensive efficiency, and now the Cavaliers have introduced DeAndre Hunter, who was obtained through a trade in the middle of the season and missed most of the regular season games against the Pacers.

Hunt has a very strong presence. He will likely have Siakam as his main target, but may also see opportunities in Halliburton, Nesmith, Mathurin or other Pacers players. If the Cavaliers maintain an advantage on the defensive end, they are also the strongest team in the playoffs, with their offensive efficiency per game as of the first round.

While the Indiana Pacers rank second in offensive efficiency (118.0), this gap is a sign of how dangerous Cleveland has become with Donovan Mitchell, Dalius Garland, Evan Mobley and Allen. And this offensive advantage may perfectly balance the Pacers' game style.

Cleveland may have hidden advantages in this showdown

In fact, the result of the regular season series between these two mid-district rivals is not clear. The Indiana Pacers won 3-1, but each game was incomplete and the rotation changed. The Cavaliers didn't sign Hunter until February. In the final showdown, the Cavaliers faced their opponents with a capable lineup, and this thrilling double overtime has secured the seed seat.

So, when these two teams meet in the Eastern Conference semifinals, it will be a whole new challenge. The pressure will become greater and greater. As the series unfolds, tactical games will determine the outcome of each game: defensive conversion, who dodges first, and who controls the rhythm of the game. For Allen, his defense could be a stealth advantage against the Pacers' offense and determine whether the Cavaliers can advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.