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NBA Memphis Grizzlies

Grading Memphis Grizzlies Forward Tony Allen’s Performance in November

By @The_Only_Grubes

Tony Allen

Gary Dineen

Tony Allen has never been a particularly great scorer. In fact, his shooting numbers have always been low throughout his career. While this season has been no different, that’s not what the Memphis Grizzlies pay him for. Allen’s job is to be the enforcer on defense.

This season, the Grizzlies have ranked seventh in defensive efficiency, thanks in no small part to Allen’s contributions. When a player on the opposing team needs to be locked down, it is Allen’s job to do so. No matter what position on the perimeter that player is at, no matter how big or small the scorer is, it is Allen’s responsibility to make sure that player is limited in every possible way offensively.

This season has seen Allen continue to be that force, although he hasn’t had to deal with the likes of LeBron James or Kevin Durant just yet. However, he has had to guard the Los Angeles Lakers‘ Kobe Bryant twice, something that is a grueling task for anyone defending him.

Bryant is a tough cover on defense because he can do so many things so well, from getting to the rim in a crafty fashion to pulling up for contested jump shots and hitting them with ease. Allen did not completely contain Bryant in both of the Grizzlies’ matchups with the Lakers, but he certainly did not make things easy for the 19-year veteran.

Outside of guarding Bryant, Allen has not had many particularly difficult matchups on defense, but his contributions to one of the league’s best defenses have still been valuable. While Allen has declined in many areas on offense, he has been an effective rebounder at the guard spot for the Grizzlies, something that he has taken a liking to doing throughout his career.

His effectiveness in that area has increased from last season, so it’s clear Allen has not lost any toughness on either end of the floor.

It would be nice if he could become a better scoring threat for the Grizzlies than he has been, even if that just means working out the kinks in his free throw shot, but the veteran has been around the league for a long time. At this point, what you see is what you get. Allen is certainly capable of being more effective from the field, and maybe that will turn around as the season progresses, but his defensive contributions will always be highly valued by a team that lives and dies by its defense.

Grade: B

Nathan Grubel is an NBA writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @The_Only_Grubes, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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