The Only Defender To Stop Kobe, Curry, and Durant
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The Only #nba defender to stop Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, and Durant.
Tony Allen was a monster. He was so confident in his defense that he said in 2015 “I’m First Team T.A.” No, not First Team All-NBA… First Team All T.A.! He named the defense team after his own initials because he’s great enough to have it NAMED after him!
But while the players rave about Tony Allen**,** the NBA, and fans seem to have forgotten about one of the best perimeter defenders of all time that probably gave your favorite player trouble. He only averaged 8.1 points, and air-balled open shots
Kobe multiple times said that Tony Allen was by far his toughest defender and for a guy who rarely gave props to any defender, this meant so much more. Kobe even said that "He’s never heard Tony ask for help”
And’s that Piece 1… Tony Allen was one of the NBA’s most FEARED on-ball defenders because his mindset was scary.
In his early NBA days with the Boston Celtics, Allen averaged his highest points output in his third season than in any other season of his career.
In the first half, Boston's defensive plan was to throw multiple bodies at Kobe… but he shot over 60 percent in the first half as the Lakers went into the half with a small lead.
But in the second half, Celtics coach Doc Rivers decided to make Tony Allen the full-time defender on Kobe. In 2008, Allen only averaged 4.3 minutes in the playoffs so this was a big leap before Allen made an All-Defensive Team, the accolades… the whole nine. But he had that tenacity and aggression you can't teach… so he bothered Kobe a TON! In the second half, Kobe shot just 5-of-14…
Because in 2013, the Grizz and OKC played again… and again, Allen was a PESK defensively limiting KD to 11 combined turnovers and a combined 15-of-48 from the floor over the last two games of the series!
And even then it wasn’t over because they would play another time when KD would be even better. Allen had a plan for each player, why he kept going first-team All-Defense in 2012 and 2013.
KD was the MVP, won another scoring title… did things offensively we hadn't seen since Michael Jordan… KD was just entering his prime.
How many 6'4” guys in the history of the NBA would be routinely willing to go toe-to-toe, mano-e-MANO with the world best's shot-maker and it works? Patrick Beverley got cooked.
During this series, KD was held to just 36 percent shooting when guarded by Tony Allen. See how he DENIES even the entry pass from getting to KD, how he's all-up in him and exerting pressure on KD without fouling him.
The instincts were second to none (0:50). It's why KD couldn't help but admit the ugly truth… Tony Allen was in his HEAD! No seriously, Durant admitted it. “I’m worrying about a guy coming from behind trying to block the shot”
Years down the line when KD was asked about his battles with Allen… KD said what we all knew to be TRUE
But a true test of Allen’s versatility came on the perimeter when the NBA allowed more freedom of movement, less hands, and saw the greatest shooter in NBA history in his prime.
In 2015, the Golden State Warriors were the NBA’s latest Cinderella story: high-energy, quick-fire offense featuring the two greatest shooters in tandem the NBA had ever seen. But after their unexpected 67-win season came a rather unexpected challenge…
They had to go head-to-head with a gritty, hard-nosed basketball team in the Memphis Grizzlies, a team who the Warriors respected, unlike the current Grizzlies who they hate (*funny edit)*
Steph through the first three games averaged just 21 points on 39 percent shooting. Klay, on the other hand, averaged only 17 with 12 combined turnovers.
Tony was on the perimeter causing a lot of havoc and the Splash brothers shot 3 of 17 from 3 in game 2. And it didn’t come from dirty defense, trying to injury someone, no, Allen was primarily guarding Klay Thompson and still denying Curry.
Throughout the series, the Warriors players when guarded by Tony Allen during the series were 0-of-7! He had Steph's number… and Klay was 0-of-5 with Allen on him too!
At this point, the Warriors didn’t have an answer for this brute-style defense. They needed to somehow mitigate Tony Allen… so, guess what they did?
Instead of worrying about his defense - which they knew they could do NOTHING about - the Warriors flipped the script. Because he wasn’t much of a shooter, the Warriors put Andrew Bogut on him and basically implemented a strategy where they’d only worry about four guys, not five. And it worked because Allen was offensively ass.
At this point…
There was no one in denial of this man’s greatness on defense. Everyone acknowledged he was the BEST, even at nearly 35 years old… putting him in rare company…
Пікірлер: 337
Who's the best defender you've seen in the NBA? Twitter- @MJ2KALLDAY
@jesussaves852
6 ай бұрын
Jesus loves you and may God bless you
@gamerlord7697
6 ай бұрын
Kawhi Leonard
@anthonypierre2094
6 ай бұрын
@gamerlord7697 Kawhi defense is soo over rated. He is know for stopping exactly who? He's a good defender and makes some good stops here and there but he ain't stopping no one.
@Kashed
6 ай бұрын
1988-1989 MJ. Best offensive and defensive player I have ever seen, all in a single season. He was just on another level.
@markokrivokapic3121
6 ай бұрын
Big Ben Wallace!
Tony Allen, not even a generation came and almost everyone forgot about him. Good call out.
@baconeggcheesepodcast9390
6 ай бұрын
That’s the crazy part
@jpmnky
6 ай бұрын
Man, literally the minute these guys aren’t on television anymore they ALL get forgotten about. Yeah, it’s a bummer. The rookie class Tony Allen was part of, was really deep. Except maybe Dwight Howard you won’t see any HOFers. But it was LOADED with starters and contributors top to bottom. Look up the 2004 NBA Draft Class. There’s a lot of names we’ve all forgotten there.
@doctorgreene4429
6 ай бұрын
Literally no one forget about him it just when don't cause his game as much in today game is all
@keithjoseph128
6 ай бұрын
Because the debate show era doesn't understand defense.
@tgreg9542
6 ай бұрын
I didn’t never would he’s the best defender beside Kobe and Ron arrest of that era at gaurd💯 Bruce Bowen up there too
Tony Allen and Zach randolph: two monsters I never forget, never see other players like that
TA made me appreciate his efforts on the defensive end. Didn't talk that much trash, kept his head down and went to work. Made all the best offensive players worked for that possession. Truly underappreciated.
I forgot about T.A. But he was a beast on defense. Stud!
@baconeggcheesepodcast9390
6 ай бұрын
Yeah me too
@Abraham-bs6bo
6 ай бұрын
A dog on defense
So glad someone finally made this video. It's a shame the NBA leaned so hard toward big names during that time. Tony was robbed of several All-NBA Defense selections in favor of the likes of Rondo, Cris Paul, and Kobe. Yes, they were good defenders - but the ONLY reason they were selected over him was because they were great overall players that people easily recognized. That's how awards were from that time. Look at the all defensive teams from 05 to 2015. Shane Battier making only 2 All-Defensive selections despite being the defensive anchor for every team he played for in his prime. Tony Allen should have won DPOY in 2013, but they gave it to his teammate who was only 2nd Team, while Tony was 1st Team.
@fenixchief7
6 ай бұрын
Thats how awards have always been and still are. You think Harden actually belongs in the all star game this year? No. Jokic was clearly the mvp last year too. But thats not necessarily how awards work.
@gamechanger114
6 ай бұрын
Nah, in 2013 Lebron should've won it, but at that point in time so many people had already started hating on Lebron, including several people within the media. Usually on awards like that when you have two players in Tony Allen & Marc Gasol both on the All-Defensive team they'd end up splitting they just didnt want to give it to Lebron. But yeah Tony Allen was also more deserving than Marc Gasol imo. Marc Gasol was an All-star at that time I believe too so I think the media thought it'd be more justifiable if they gave it to Marc Gasol. Wouldn't be surprised if being from spain helped his case as well to further engage thay fanbase worldwide... I disagree about the Shane Battier take, he was a smart & solid defender but I never thought of him as lockdown type of guy. Also, he wasn't competing against Chris Paul or Kobe (they are both guards). Shane Battier was competing against Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Ron Artest/Meta World Peace, Tayshaun Prince, Andre Iguadala, Shawn Marion, Gerald Wallace & Lebron James at the "Forward" position. And tbh I'd rather have all of those forwards I just named at their defensive peak, over Shane Battier. Shane Battier was more of a positional defender that drew charges well. He was top 4-7 for forwards but not "typically" top 2-3 any year.
@abel6298
6 ай бұрын
Read your bible! (KJV, preferably) ♥
@JJ_5289
5 ай бұрын
. I agree with you he should have won a dpoy award at some point. He was relentless on defense and had amazing hands. Had the quickness to stay with small guards and the strength to bother bigger players. I dont think we'll see a player like him again
@bronisthegoat8915
5 ай бұрын
Yeah no Bron was easily the DPOY in 2013. It’s arguably the biggest award robbery in nba history right next to the 2016 finals mvp lol
He was a guard without the ability to pass, dribble or shoot. Had a 14 year NBA career anyway. Incredible defensive presence.
@g-mode5047
5 ай бұрын
He could do all those things but amongst the cream of the crop his best asset was his defense
I knew he was defensive guy, but had no idea he was THAT good. Good video
Thank you soo much for making this. He was a truly great defender that ppl don't talk about and a true example of what good defense actually is
Man just the fact alone that Kobe, Steph AND kd all said Tony Allen, and all he has to show for it is three 1st team all defenses shows how underrated of a defender he was. TD easily deserved multiple DPOY if that offensive trio juggernaut all said he was the best they ever played against.
Tony Allen, Mike Conley, Zebo, Marc Gasol What a good squad that was.
Makes the 2010 Lakers win even more impressive. That Celtics team was the GOAT of defensive teams. KG, TA, Rondo, were elite. Ray Allen, Perkins were really good. And Pierce shit himself.
@wobbafett2464
6 ай бұрын
that 2008 roster would give even MJ problems
@philgealan7290
6 ай бұрын
Fuck no 🤣 mj would eat him in the post
@melvinhhcp3615
6 ай бұрын
Plus Kobe injured fingers on his shooting hand & a knee that needed surgery in the offseason.
@forsaken7976
6 ай бұрын
@@wobbafett2464 they would have bear the bulls. The bulls didn’t have the interior presence to compete with that team.
@forsaken7976
6 ай бұрын
@@melvinhhcp3615 yeah one of the most underrated things in basketball. Most players wouldn’t have even played.
Thank you for making this video. This is why TA is my favorite defender of all time.
FIRST TEAM! Excellent exposé on a player that clearly doesn't get enough love, thank you! 👍👏🙏🙏
To say Tony Allen was a nobody is CRAZY. He really was a house hold name💯
If Kobe and KD say Tony Allen is the best defender, then he better be in the Hall of Fame.
Great job making such videos and bringing forgotten players back to light.
bruh i remember memes on klay getting nightmares of tony allen
@baconeggcheesepodcast9390
6 ай бұрын
Ayoooooo🤣
Tony Allen Andre Igoudala & Andre roberson were some of the greatest perimeter defenders ever and are heavily underrated, were true game changers
@Teagod77
5 ай бұрын
Tony is head and shoulders above the others you mentioned
Tony was elite, one of the best ever. Many of the very best defenders never got the accolades they deserved if they didn't score, if a star could play B+ defense he would always get the all defensive votes even though the specialists were playing A+ level.
I appreciate videos like this
One of your best vids. Thanks for showcases Tony Allen.
I remember this era of Memphis. Great team and I remember many games being in the high 90s/low 100s
@baconeggcheesepodcast9390
6 ай бұрын
Yeah me too
Respect to you to give his flowers well deserved
This kind of player is what we need!!!!💪💪💪 shooting is Nothing... without Strong Depense 👍👍👍
My favorite player of all time. I appreciate the video
Tony is a legend here in Memphis, he sparked so many runs with his steals and deflections. The Grizzlies have a young guy in his mold, Vince Williams, a real dog on D.
@casinojay9540
5 ай бұрын
We’d honestly have more defenders like this today if his style in today’s basketball didn’t get you fouled out. The nba wanted to encourage higher scoring games to “increase entertainment “ but it came at the expense of defense
Playing good defense has been harder work than playing good offense these days. Appreciate any player thats recognized for their defense. A lot of players not even stars can score 20+ avg but only a few guys are threatening enough to shut stars down under 20 or make them shoot less than 30% fg.
The Grit Grind Grizz were my favorite team. Thanks for the Tony props. he deserves it.
Tony Allen
True greatness. Tony Allen was a very bad man!! And your tribute video is brilliant. Amen amen!!
I never realized how good TA was I knew he was a solid defender but the narrative taught me guys like Bruce Bowen were miles ahead in defense.
@Cristian-vm1bg
5 ай бұрын
THANK YOU. blows my mind when bowen is left off 'all time perimeter defenders' lists.
@Luso00_
4 ай бұрын
Bruce Bowen was a dirty player
Great video. Props for exposing fans to an amazing impact player. Stats dont tell the whole story. This is the NBA, not the MLB.
First Team for real, love from Lithuania my man!
Tony Allen was a beast, and he did play well against Kobe "at times", but he never stopped Kobe whatsoever. Nobody ever stopped Kobe, or had a career defining series against Kobe defensively, or offensively in any post-season. They could only attempt to slow him down, or make it as tough as possible to score. Kobe was always going to score no matter what the defense did, or how well they played. No defender could guard Kobe for more than 15, to 20 minutes in a 48 minute game while rotating defenders against Kobe. A good defender might be able to give Kobe some trouble for a quarter, or two maximum, if they were really physical and played well, but in order to slow down Kobe it takes a lot of energy. Kobe would wear them down and pounce on his victims when they were at their weakest in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Kobe's stamina was limitless. His body would give out before his cardio would. It took the entire Celtics starting 5 to hold Kobe to 30+ points defensively in the 2008, and 2010 Finals series. If Tony Allen was truly a Kobe stopper, the 2008 Finals would not have went to 6 games (it almost went to 7 games), and the 2010 Finals wouldn't have went to 7 games with the Lakers winning the series. The Celtics had the better overall team by a mile, but the Lakers had the most impactful player in NBA history on their roster.
Excellent work
Tony Allen locked up KD so bad in that playoff series
@Yaqztrey5
6 ай бұрын
Cap. Kd smoked him then won the series. But by far the only defender to give him the most trouble
Bro love your videos
Really enjoy this type of content. Its well done.
@baconeggcheesepodcast9390
6 ай бұрын
Me too
Memphis will never forget Tony Allen. First Team
Another good video 🤙🏾🫡💯💯
Great Video💯👍Respect to TA
Love the video. As a huge celtic fan since the 90's. I gotta correct you. Tony Allen always had a defensive reputation in boston. He fidnt get the accolades because those mid 00's celtics teams sucked. But he was always a dog on defense. The team wasnt good enough for it to shine through. Also doc drveloped him horribly
Tony Allen was underrated player all time great defender
Tony Allen is the first players who I mimicked when I first started playing ball in elementary. People never believe me tho💀
Tony Allen just another great piece on that 08 Celtics team.
I was just talking about The Grindfather the other day man. He was a beast in Boston too.
Kobe Bryant averaged 25.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 24 games versus Tony Allen in his career. He is not Kobe stopper
@baconeggcheesepodcast9390
6 ай бұрын
Wow I didn’t know that
@jhianatregenio2456
6 ай бұрын
show the shooting percentage 😂
@JIX9ISLER1986
6 ай бұрын
@@jhianatregenio2456 42% he slowed him down.....he would be eaten alive by 2003 kobe pre knee surgeries - this was his athletic skills peak Tony allen only played the broken down version of kobe from 2005 and up
@JIX9ISLER1986
6 ай бұрын
Kobe Bryant averaged 27.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 18 games versus Tony Allen between the 2004-05 and 2012-13 seasons. on 42% shooting Anything after 2013 was post Achilles injury
@blackmamba5097
6 ай бұрын
Even better
Imagine if he played in the hand check era, he would've been a hall of famer if he played in the 80's
FIRST TEAM 😤💪🏽🏀
Memphis Sports - In every sport this city turns out the best defenses year, after year, after year
For sure one of the best defenders to do it. He wanted to guard anybody
I’ll never get over two straight years of a 2nd Team All Defense player beating 1st Team Tony Allen for DPOY.
Man I like this it's not in trent but I love videos like this
Whats the name of the song in the beginning of vid?
Hell yeah!! TA just set the tone and always showed up to play defense. Celtics great, for sure!!
@baconeggcheesepodcast9390
6 ай бұрын
He really did
@arizonaFIREent
6 ай бұрын
Far from a celtics great
These stars giving props to tony allen.
@tacobell you need to sponsor this man!!!
He was so good on defense he defended his own shot
Definitely the best guard defender of the 21st century.
I think perimeter defense is the most overlooked quality in the NBA because it doesn’t show up in stats as much as any other quality in the sport
like Tony Allen. MJ's editing is very underrated!
the way the game is currently officiated, I don't think there can be another Tony Allen.
I don't know if Kobe was around when Bobby Jones played,but Jones was a complete monster on D
Bill, Wilt, MJ, Kobe, GP and KG.
I'd much rather be watching 90 point games of excellent defense than 130 point games that resembles 3 point all star competitions.
bruce bowen says hold my beer.
Great video , but your mic is peaking this video for some reason.
Tony Allen couldn't stop Kob from winning championships 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
As an OKC fan seeing TA on Durant used to be an auto facepalm he used to clamp up KD on the regular
Bruce Bowan, Dennis Rodman and Hakeem.
NOT JUST STATS EXACTLY - as i watch people constantly disrespect kobe and his legacy
I ain’t forget he top 5 perimeter defenders all time in my opinion
If people were fans were actually fans of the game defensive players would get celebrated more. When I was a kid people knew every player on their team.
Not only he had the most insane hands and reaction time but it was combined with his incredibly high iq to learn read opponent's offense and anticipating the right moves at light speed .... It was like second nature to him ...Haven't seen anyone able to duplicate that but GP and Dumars had some of it for sure
🌹First team all defense
That gen of Grizzlies was great, better than now
that dunk at 5:27 is nasty af
if Tony Allen even shot just 33% from 3 he'd be a HOF player easily
It's crazy that all these guys I was watching in the late 00's and the 2010s are retired now, and LeBron is legit the oldest player in the NBA when it seemed like he was young for a long time. Also I remember one of Tony Allen's funny flops VS the Spurs where he fell and pretended he hit his head when it never touched the floor
Tony Allen a goat
tony allen shouldve got dpoy awards
Interesting Oklahoma state produce good defensive gaurds that both played for the Celtics & grizz
Chicago stand up 💯💯💯💯💯
in 2015 tony allen was playing on a broken back. he couldnt get up for offensive rebounds or cut to punish bogut ignoring him.
He's called The Gringfather for a reason.
I didn't know he was that great of a defender!! If he was solid on the other end he would be an all time great.
Should’ve included LeBron in the title, that steal in the 2010 playoffs against him is legendary.
KD has never been stopped ever
The crazy thang he wasn't even playing a lot of minutes imagine if he was playing a 40 minute game other team would have caught hell
I knew it was Tony Allen and I ain’t even watch the video😭
Yessir
0:07 Steph said T.A then looked dead pan into the lense like “MFK’ing only unchecked box in my Ktching” FrFr T.A one man full press steal check right and left get shook pick up that dribble I’m in yo gums hands high, kicking at bounce passes, hands in your face when you shoot Jersey grabbing 60minutes plus O.T no chill. I was so happy after dunking and injuring his knee Celtics took their time with him to regain his legs. One of my all time favorite Celtics draft pick after Paul Pierce. Damn I’m old AF🤣
You gotta reset your mic settings or something. You sound thin. Positive criticism, no hate.
That dude should have AT LEAST gotten DPoY one time.
I remember Tony Allen stop LeBron and Kobe in the playoffs. I also believe he was one of the best defenders. But Tony got good because Paul Pierce and KG both push him to the extreme. That's why after 2010, he didn't sign a contract with the Celtics. I believe if they had played him more than Ray Allen in game 7. I think Celtics could have won.
damn you don't see anybody play in nba like this anymore they would just call a foul lol
i didnt even know of the man... smh forgive me grindfather, for i have sinned
The cadence, in explaining, always weirds me out
11:13 bros blazed 😂