Duke in the NBA: Grayson Allen’s Strong Performance Despite Jazz Loss

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Grayson Allen #23 speaks with reporters during Day One of the NBA Draft Combine at Quest MultiSport Complex on May 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Grayson Allen #23 speaks with reporters during Day One of the NBA Draft Combine at Quest MultiSport Complex on May 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

The Las Vegas Summer League is concluding its ‘regular season’ but Grayson Allen would end the three-game stretch on a positive note before heading into the playoffs.

The Utah Jazz has been very careful with Grayson Allen this summer and we learned why during today’s broadcast on ESPNU. It was revealed that Allen has a strained abductor muscle in his leg that he sustained preparing for the NBA Draft.

Allen has been able to play through the injury but the Jazz has yet to play him in back to back games, despite any off days in between.

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The Jazz elected to sit Allen on Sunday for their game against the New York Knicks Summer League team but Grayson was ready to go on Tuesday afternoon as the Utah Jazz Summer League team faced the Miami Heat Summer League team.

Allen tied a team-high 17 points in 24 minutes, but the Jazz fell to the Heat 98-90.

Like his former Duke teammate Gary Trent Jr. who was playing at the same time in the next gym over, Allen made seven of his seventeen shots, but unlike Trent, Allen struggled from the three-point arc, only making one of his five attempts. Allen did sink both of his free throw attempts.

A consistent theme in Allen’s game this summer has been his ability to fill the stat sheet and Tuesday was no different. In addition to his 17 points, Allen also pulled down seven rebounds and dished out three assists.

The Utah Jazz Summer League team fell to 1-2 during the ‘regular season’ of the Las Vegas Summer League and will have to wait until Tuesday night to see where they will be seeded in the knockout stage of the event.

It remains to be seen whether the Jazz will continue to be cautious with Allen or if they will play him in consecutive games and attempt to take home the Las Vegas Summer League Championship.