By MIKE McCURRY
Grayson Allen’s junior campaign didn’t exactly get off to the best of starts.
Despite his 15.9 points per game average entering Saturday, Allen had not been his usual efficient self, missed one game and many practices with turf toe, and was often overshadowed by his teammates—namely Luke Kennard and Amile Jefferson.
Until Saturday
Allen went off for a career-high 34 points, including making 6-of-9 from deep and two highlight-reel dunks, in No. 5 Duke’s 94-45 rout of UNLV on Saturday in Las Vegas.
GRAYSON. ALLEN. ? #SCtop10 https://t.co/qE9tlC2KDL
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 10, 2016
Grayson Allen’s career-high 34 Pts vs. UNLV included this vicious putback. ? https://t.co/UiBzA5ubnd
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 11, 2016
According to ESPN’s Dick Vitale on the game broadcast, Allen was finally able to practice on Friday for the first time in a couple of weeks.
It’s also worth noting that, in the opening moments of Saturday’s game, UNLV’s Kris Clyburn was hit with a flagrant foul for grabbing Allen’s neck in a dead ball situation.
Whether a fire was lit under Allen’s belly following the scuffle, he’s simply healthy again, or a combination of both, one thing is certain.
Grayson Allen is officially back.
Post-game photo in the winning locker room with our guy @Bharper3407! ?⚾️?? pic.twitter.com/rmyMgx6cAD
— Duke Basketball (@DukeMBB) December 11, 2016
Photo: USA Today
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