Warriors coach Steve Kerr effectively took Tony Allen out of Game 4 with a daring adjustment.
Now, a hamstring injury is taking Allen out of tonight’s Game 5.
Grizzlies sideline reporter Rob Fisher:
Update: Tony Allen (hamstring) is out for @memgrizz tonight vs. @warriors in Game 5
— Rob Fischer (@thefishnation) May 14, 2015
Allen came up big in Memphis’ Game 2 and Game 3 wins, but the Warriors effectively neutralized him in Game 4.
Golden State trusted Harrison Barnes to defend Zach Randolph, and “guarded” Allen with center Andrew Bogut. Bogut mostly sagged off Allen to patrol the paint, and Allen shot just 2-for-9, including 0-for-3 on 3-pointers, in 16 minutes.
Without Allen on the court to cover them, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson had an easier time operating. Now, the Splash Brothers should get that advantage over a full game.
Larger roles for Jeff Green and Vince Carter could boost the Grizzlies’ offense, but I doubt it outweighs the defensive drop-off. Memphis probably can’t keep up with the Warriors if the game becomes a shootout.
Allen contributes greatly to the Grizzlies’ toughness and defense, traits key to upsetting the Warriors. Though Memphis still has Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, it’ll be an even steeper up-hill battle tonight.
