Pushed to the brink of elimination by the Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies swingman and defensive ace Tony Allen vows to play in Game 6 despite dealing with a hamstring strain, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports.
Allen was held out of Game 5 where the Grizzlies were dominated by the Warriors, 98-78, and fell 3-2 in the series.
With Allen sidelined, the Grizzlies inserted Jeff Green into the starting lineup to add more scoring and floor spacing. In Game 4, the Warriors were sagging off of Tony Allen, allowing him to take up long jumpers which he was missing. It ultimately led coach Dave Joerger to take him out of the game, as Allen totaled just 16 minutes.
However, Allen’s defensive prowess has never been put into question. Memphis needs his pesky defense to contain Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry.
The Grizzlies were once up 2-1 in the series and it seemed like they had the Warriors all figured out, but Golden State made its adjustments in Game 4 and has now won two straight. Game 6 will be on Friday, May 15th, and Tony Allen wants to battle with his teammates no matter what.
“If they say our season is on the line, I’m one of the troops. I’m riding out,” Allen said.
Even if Allen is cleared to play, he may come off the bench since the Grizzlies planned to start Jeff Green in his place in Game 5 even before he was ruled out.
It’s a win or go home situation for Memphis, and Tony Allen is the ultimate competitor so it’s safe to say that he will definitely suit up for the all-too-important Game 6.