Dallas — In a game against the Dallas Mavericks, Jarrett Allen led the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were shorthanded, to a 20-point victory. With a total of 24 points, 23 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals, he was unstoppable against both small ball lineups and Dereck Lively II. Allen said he’s a “big fan” of Lively during the discussion of the game, adding that he’s been following his rookie year. Although Lively’s use of positioning and ability to rebound at the age of 19 has pleased the Cavaliers big man, he said that his outing on Wednesday wasn’t his best. “I’m a big fan of Derek Lively, and I keep up with him as a rookie,” Allen stated. “This year, he’s been outstanding at collecting rebounds and positioning himself.
Lively did not build on his impressive performance against the Cavaliers, finishing with just four points, four rebounds, one assist, and two blocks in 25 minutes. This was after he had scored 20 points and pulled down 10 rebounds in a Christmas Day victory over the Phoenix Suns. Lively can learn “a lot” from the setback and needs to be prepared from the beginning of the game coming forward, according to Mavs coach Jason Kidd.
“He’s a really good learner. a great deal from the game’s opening play. You must be prepared,” stated Kidd. “You need to know who you’re playing against, but everyone may comment about how good you’re playing. [Jarrett] Allen had the game’s first play, and he was fouled. All you have to know is that Allen is a talented player and an All-Star. He (Lively) has something to learn from this game.
Allen gave Lively some advise, emphasizing the value of researching other large men who have experienced the highs and lows of the NBA, taking note of their successful techniques, and putting those techniques to use.
“As I was growing up, or even in my first year, I would just watch a
