Tony Allen, the unexpected breakout star of the second round series between Memphis and Golden State, is suffering from a sore left hamstring and considered a game-time decision for Wednesday night’s critical Game 5.
Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger says that his defensive ace is more injured that he’s letting on, and knows that beating the Warriors sans Mr. Grindfather is a daunting challenge.
Allen has done his best to keep details of his injury secret.
Per the Bay Area News Group:
“If he wants to be out there, he’ll be ready to get out there,” Joerger said. “He’s been more hurt than I think people realize. He’s given us everything he’s got. The reason we’re tied in this series and the reason we have two wins is because of what he’s been doing just wreaking havoc defensively. It’s amazing. Without him, it would be very difficult.”
The Warriors over four games in the series have shot 9 for 29 from the field when guarded by Allen, who is assigned to Klay Thompson and has averaged three steals per game. Allen missed the Grizzlies’ last nine games of the regular season due to a left hamstring strain.
“We don’t want to talk about that too much, man, give away too much, man,” Allen said of the injury on 92.9FM ESPN last week after the Grizzlies’ win in Game 2.
