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Memphis Grizzlies Need Tony Allen To Play In Game 6

By D. Goodman

May 11, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Tony Allen (9) during the game against the Golden State Warriors in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Golden State Warriors beat Memphis Grizzlies 101-84. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Tony Allen (9) during the game against the Golden State Warriors in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Golden State Warriors beat Memphis Grizzlies 101-84. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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When the Memphis Grizzlies dropped Game 4 of their best-of-7 series against the Golden State Warriors by a final score of 101-84, no one was surprised. It was practically unthinkable that Golden State would go down 3-1 in the series, especially after losing two in a row to the Grizzlies and their smothering defense.

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No, the real questions surrounded Game 5. The Warriors would be coming home to Oracle Arena and the raucous crowds that have made it such an intimidating place for opponents to play in.

Stephen Curry seemed to be returning to the form that made him the NBA’s MVP and, most importantly, the Warriors seemed to be finding answers for the Grizzlies defensive scheme that had helped Memphis make this a series.

Then, right before Game 5, the other shoe dropped.

It was announced that Tony Allen, the heart and soul of the Grizzlies’ defense, would be out for Game 5 with a hamstring injury. Allen played only 16 minutes in the Grizzlies’ Game 4 loss once the Warriors realized he was hurt and then took full advantage of his limitations.

For Game 5, Memphis head coach Dave Joerger hoped that the combination of Jeff Green and Vince Carter would be enough to keep Golden State in check and give the Grizzlies a chance to win.

Instead, the Grizzlies lost by 20 points in a lopsided 98-78 defeat that puts them on the cusp of being eliminated from the postseason.

Without Allen on the court, there was nothing to stop Klay Thompson and Curry from playing the game they wanted to and dictating the pace. Curry scored 18 points on the night, all from beyond the arc, in addition to seven rebounds and five assists.

Thompson, who had been shut down since Game 2 thanks to Allen, came roaring back to score 21 points and the Warriors as a team made 14 of 30 shots from 3-point range.

Memphis did manage to score, with Mike Conley finishing with 13 points, Marc Gasol with 18 and Zach Randolph scoring 13. The problem was that without Allen to help spark the Memphis defense, there was nothing to stop Golden State from pretty much scoring at will.

Now the Grizzlies find themselves on the brink of elimination as the series heads back to Memphis for a must-win Game 6.

According to ESPN.com’s Michael Wallace, Allen indicated he plans to play in Game 6 injury of no injury, but that decision will be left to Joerger, who before Wednesday’s tipoff was asked about Allen’s Injury and told Wallace

"“He wants to be out there and will do everything he can. He’s been more hurt than I think people realize. He’s given us everything he’s got and is the reason we’re tied in this series.”"

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    • What Allen brings to this Grizzlies team cannot be stressed enough and his per game averages of 8.6 points, 1.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds during the regular season don’t tell the whole story. Much like Conley, this Memphis team just isn’t the same without him on the court.

    While Conley provides the offense it’s flow and rhythm, Allen is the fire in the heart of the defense, the model of the team’s never say die attitude.

    There is still a good chance Green could start in place of Allen on Friday depending on how the hamstring is doing. But even if Allen comes in off the bench, having him on the court will at least give the Grizzlies a fighting chance to force a Game 7 and take the series back to Oakland.

    The Grizzlies have been underdogs all season long. It’s a position they thrive in and embrace wholeheartedly. But if Tony Allen can’t play in Game 6 Friday, their season may be coming to an end.

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