Dec 16, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) reaches for a loose ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) looks on at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
The Warriors had plenty of doubters after losing two straight games to the Memphis Grizzlies. The top seed in the Western Conference was no longer seen as the same team that won 67 games during the regular season.
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That quickly changed after Game 4. The Warriors reminded the Grizzlies and the rest of the country that they are still the best team in the league and the 101-84 victory proved it. One major difference in Game 4 was their defensive scheme. They let Tony Allen roam free and dared him to shoot jumpers.
The new scheme worked and Allen was ineffective. The Grizzlies might have to find a way to beat the Warriors without Allen. According to Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal, Allen is questionable for Game 5 with a sore left hamstring:
Griz say that Tony Allen (sore left hamstring) is questionable for Game 5 http://t.co/wYRV1ZLXTm
— Ronald Tillery (@CAGrizBeat) May 13, 2015
Allen might not be one of the better players on the floor, but he has impacted this series with his defense. Without him on the floor, the Warriors can focus on a different defensive scheme. Surely, Klay Thompson and Steph Curry would enjoy a game where they don’t have to deal with Allen and his pesky defense.
The Grizzlies have gotten this far with their defense, but even without Allen, they are still capable of causing problems for the Warriors. Allen takes pride in his game, so chances are he will play, but he won’t be 100 percent.