Rookie Allen showing glimpses of potential
It’s not a small thing that since returning from a sixgame absence, Jarrett Allen has had two strong outings — both against powerhouse teams.
After a solid cameo against the Celtics, an NBAbest 15-2, his 12-minute stint against defending champion Golden State on Sunday was likely the teenager’s best showing as a pro. Up next is LeBron James and the threetime defending conference champion Cavaliers.
“His ability to roll to the rim makes it harder for them to switch when you have a 7-footer out there that can put pressure on the rim,” coach Kenny Atkinson said. “He was really good, and then defensively we feel completely com- fortable with him out there. We had him on [the Warriors’ Omri] Casspi out there because he’s so agile and can move.
“I can’t wait until he really hits his peak. [Sunday] was a glimpse of what he can be and how important he’ll be for us in the future.”
Statistically, Allen’s ninepoint performance in his pro debut Oct. 20 against Orlando is his highest- scoring. But considering the situation — thrust into extended action after starter Trevor Booker’s ankle injury, scoring six points in a 12-6 run to open the fourth quarter and get the Nets back in the game — Sunday was his best.
It was encouraging for the Nets, even if it didn’t surprise Allen.
“No, not really. That’s like saying I don’t fully believe in myself,” said Allen, who had missed six straight games with a sore foot. “I believed I was ready to play against a team like that. ... I wouldn’t necessarily call it satisfying, but coming back from the injury, it just felt good to be back.”
Booker told The Post he was unsure if his sprained left ankle will heal quickly enough to allow him to suit up Wednesday in Cleveland.
“It’s just a little sore. It’s not too bad,” Booker said. “We’ll just see how it feels. ... I’m not sure [if I can play]. I’m just taking it day by day. So we’ll see.”
Joe Tsai — who reached a deal to buy 49 percent of the Nets, with an agreement to purchase a controlling interest in four years — attended Sunday’s loss to Golden State.