Tony Allen Wants to Guard Kevin Durant

When the chips were down on the table in Game 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies, Kevin Durant took over (35 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists and the game-sealing jumper). Despite his coach insisting that defensive assignment will continue to be Tayshaun Prince’s, Tony Allen wouldn’t mind taking a run at slowing KD. Per the Commercial Appeal: “Grizzlies guard Tony Allen has defended Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant in the past, but don’t expect a steady diet of that strategy, if at all, in the Western Conference semifinals. Griz coach Lionel Hollins made it clear Sunday afternoon that he’s content with using Tayshaun Prince and other players to try and slow the smooth-scoring Durant. Allen’s primary focus likely will be to contain Thunder guard Kevin Martin throughout the best-of-seven series. ‘(Durant) took Tony to the post and caused us to help way too much in the regular season,’ Hollins said. Although Durant found little resistance while playing out of the post position against the 6-9 Prince, Hollins stayed with taller players in throwing multiple defensive looks at the 6-11 Durant. Allen is listed at 6-4. Prince mostly guarded Durant. But Quincy Pondexter (6-6) and even Darrell Arthur (6-9) tried to slow Durant to no avail. None of this means Allen wouldn’t mind a crack at the NBA’s runner-up for scoring champ and Most Valuable Player. ‘Don’t be surprised with anything. We might try anything,’ Allen said. ‘Don’t be surprised if I’m able to lock up with him.'”