Brooklyn Nets vs. Houston Rockets: 3 takeaways from 109-102 loss

Brooklyn Nets, NBA Summer League — LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 11: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Brooklyn Nets goes to the basket against the Houston Rockets during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 11, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

1. An aggressive Allen could be huge for Brooklyn Nets

Jarrett Allen had a solid outing against the Rockets’ big front line on Wednesday, posting a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, hitting 6-of-10 from the floor and even showing off some range by knocking down a 3-point attempt.

But what had to make Nets fans jump out of their seats early in the game was when he got the ball up high, way out near the half-court stripe, and decided to put Zhou Qi on a poster:

That sort of aggressive attitude on the offensive end could be a big factor for the Nets, who look to improve from last season’s 28-win total.

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He did have his troubles at times on the defensive end while dealing with the Summer League Rockets revival of their 1980s Twin Towers look with Zhou and fellow 7-footer Isaiah Hartenstein.

Both of the Houston bigs are mobile and Allen was giving up size already. With Yuta Watanabe playing the 3 and James Webb at the 4 at 6-foot-9 each, the Nets were overmatched inside at times.

Still, at least in the microscopic sample size of two Summer League games, it seems as if Allen has taken a significant leap forward in terms of his assertiveness and his understanding of what Brooklyn needs from him.

Coming on the heels of a strong second half of last season, the sky could be the limit for the youngster from Austin, Texas.