On Thursday, as part of the NBA's Global Games in Paris, the center aims to achieve his eighth consecutive double-double when his Cavaliers clash with the Nets.
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Almost three years past, the Brooklyn Nets orchestrated a four-team trade, sending Jarrett Allen packing, ultimately securing James Harden from the Houston Rockets. Despite Harden’s subsequent departure from the Nets, Allen has blossomed into a reliable double-double force with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
On Thursday, as part of the NBA’s Global Games in Paris, the center aims to achieve his eighth consecutive double-double when his Cavaliers clash with the Nets.
Cleveland found itself just one game above .500 on December 14th after losing Darius Garland to a broken jaw and Evan Mobley to left knee surgery. However, the team has rebounded impressively, securing an 8-3 record over the last 11 games. During this stretch, Allen has been a standout performer, boasting an average of 19.4 points with an impressive 66.7 percent shooting accuracy, coupled with 13.2 rebounds.
For the Cavaliers, Garland (broken jawbone), Jerome (ankle injury), and Mobley (knee injury) will not be playing the game. As for the Nets, Sharpe (knee injury) and Simmons (back injury) will be sitting this one out.
In a standout display on Sunday, he showcased his prowess by amassing 29 points and 16 rebounds in a 117-115 victory at home against the San Antonio Spurs, all while facing the challenge of defending top overall pick Victor Wembanyama. Across the season, the 25-year-old Allen maintains a solid average of 14.8 points and 9.9 rebounds, boasting an impressive dozen double-doubles in 31 games.
In addition to Allen’s recent standout performance, ex-Net Caris LeVert contributed 23 points against the Spurs and has maintained an average of 21.7 points over his last four games. Off the bench, Sam Merrill chipped in with 18 points, while Donovan Mitchell added 17 to the team’s impressive scoring effort.
Meanwhile, the Nets find themselves participating in their eighth international regular-season game during a challenging phase in their season. After securing a four-point victory in Phoenix on December 13, Brooklyn held a 13-10 record, but they have faced a formidable slump with a 3-11 slide since then. Throughout this stretch, the Nets have conceded at least 120 points on eight occasions.
The most recent setback came in the form of a disheartening 134-127 overtime defeat at home against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. During this contest, Brooklyn found themselves outscored 49-34 in the combined fourth quarter and overtime periods. Adding to the frustration, the team couldn’t capitalize on a stellar performance by Mikal Bridges, who managed to score 42 points after being limited to under 25 in each of his previous seven outings.
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