Brooklyn Nets: Player grades from successful Memphis visit

Jarrett Allen had one of those nights where he was absolutely dominant for stretches and then shows he’s still a 20-year-old second-year player with lots of growth still ahead.

Allen made some nice cuts to get open for dunks, but also took some shots where he appeared to rush his release or back away from the rim instead of attacking.

That said, he was a monster on the glass, outrebounding former All-Star Marc Gasol 12-9 despite playing eight fewer minutes.

His five offensive rebounds were significant as well, as the Nets eked out an 11-9 edge in second-chance points. None of those caroms off the offensive window was bigger than one he snatched away from two Grizzlies off a missed 3-pointer by Joe Harris with 1:44 left.

Allen’s board reset the shot clock and allowed the Nets to milk another 12 seconds off the clock while nursing a 10-point lead.

His decision to get himself to a position to kick the ball back out to a guard to reset the offense was absolutely correct and showed an ever-increasing understanding of how to play situationally.

Friday was not a great night for the 33-year-old veteran. Jared Dudley was facing a no-win battle defensively against rookie Jaren Jackson Jr., who has four inches on Dudley as well as being lean and quick.

But Dudley was a non-factor for most of the night. His turnover on an offensive foul was just a silly play on which he grabbed Jackson’s arm while Rodions Kurucs was shooting a 3-pointer. Kurucs had the space for the release without any “help” from Dudley.

Giving credit where it’s due, Dudley made one terrific veteran play in the second half, shielding Jackson away from a long rebound in order to allow Spencer Dinwiddie to track it down without opposition.

Little things like a second box out after the initial flurry under the basket often go unnoticed, but in that case, it secured a possession for Brooklyn it might not have otherwise gotten.