Why matchup with OKC was big for Jarrett Allen, despite loss

Brooklyn Nets center Jarrett Allen has struggled of late, but the big man was able to put together a solid performance against OKC.

Jarrett Allen didn’t exactly go on a scoring spree in Tuesday night’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but he did finish with 10-plus points (12) for the first time since the loss to the Houston Rockets on December 28 — the second game of Brooklyn’s ongoing seven-game losing streak.

Even before the Nets’ rough stretch, Allen’s scored had started to diminish. In the first 13 games without Kyrie Irving, Allen had one game in which he didn’t finish in double figures. In the last 12, he’s failed to reach the double-digit mark eight times.

Not only did Allen averaged 15.6 points per game during the 13-game stretch, he was also grabbed 12,1 rebounds per night. Over the last 12 games, The Fro is averaging 9.3 points and 8.3 rebounds — he had seven boards against the Thunder.

Kenny Atkinson pointed out after Tuesday’s loss how adversity helps players develop. He’s right. But guys also need to show the occasional sign that they’re approaching those rough stretches the right way — whether that be mentally or physically — and actually growing.

Between the highlight plays and the fact he had to deal with Steven Adams, Allen illustrated he’s can get back to the form he was at. He’s just working through some challenges.

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