I think Tony has earned the playoff rotation!

[fairweatherfan]

Tony's going for the LeBron head fake and gifting him three shots and his brain freeze move of trying to go for a rebound while the ball is on the way down towards to rim, are exactly the reasons why he should NOT be a part of the playoff rotation.

When Nate's ankle heals up, and yes I am convinced that is the reason for his lack of play, then Tony should see bench in the playoffs because his dumb play cost this team 5 points on two plays. It's ridiculous!!!!

Don't really agree.  First, the the refs blew the goal tending call.  I saw exactly what happened with the play happened live and it was confirmed in the replay.  He was dumb enough to jump for the ball that was short of the rim but he wasn't dumb enough touch it before it hit the rim.  Let's at least make that distinction.

As far the the Lebron pump fake, it happens (while I agree it happens to TA more often than it should).  But even that call was a bit sketchy. 

Honestly, people keep talking about TA not touching the ball before it hit the rim, but look at his left hand, I'm pretty sure it hit the rim which would in fact be goal tending.

Either way, you don't jump that early and go for the ball, it was a dumb play that cost the team three points. And that's Tony's problem. All body no brain(basketball wise). And it is too much of a risk to use him consistently in the playoffs.

So Tony fans I think you will see Doc have Tony on a very short string and once he messes up with just another dumb play, he will see pine for a good long time, just like the last two post seasons.

  Players mis-time their jumps on rebounds all the time. The main reason people are calling it a dumb play is because TA was involved. I can't believe the number of people blaming Tony for the ref screwing up. The ball had no chance of going in and he caught it after it hit the rim.

I agree - I'm not sure if hitting the rim with your hand is goaltending after the ball's already deflected off it.  If not, the play was a good basketball play that was only dumb because it was close enough to have a good chance of the refs calling it incorrectly.  I'm comfortable with that kind of mental "mistake".

[BballTim]

Tony's going for the LeBron head fake and gifting him three shots and his brain freeze move of trying to go for a rebound while the ball is on the way down towards to rim, are exactly the reasons why he should NOT be a part of the playoff rotation.

When Nate's ankle heals up, and yes I am convinced that is the reason for his lack of play, then Tony should see bench in the playoffs because his dumb play cost this team 5 points on two plays. It's ridiculous!!!!

Don't really agree.  First, the the refs blew the goal tending call.  I saw exactly what happened with the play happened live and it was confirmed in the replay.  He was dumb enough to jump for the ball that was short of the rim but he wasn't dumb enough touch it before it hit the rim.  Let's at least make that distinction.

As far the the Lebron pump fake, it happens (while I agree it happens to TA more often than it should).  But even that call was a bit sketchy. 

Honestly, people keep talking about TA not touching the ball before it hit the rim, but look at his left hand, I'm pretty sure it hit the rim which would in fact be goal tending.

Either way, you don't jump that early and go for the ball, it was a dumb play that cost the team three points. And that's Tony's problem. All body no brain(basketball wise). And it is too much of a risk to use him consistently in the playoffs.

So Tony fans I think you will see Doc have Tony on a very short string and once he messes up with just another dumb play, he will see pine for a good long time, just like the last two post seasons.

  Players mis-time their jumps on rebounds all the time. The main reason people are calling it a dumb play is because TA was involved. I can't believe the number of people blaming Tony for the ref screwing up. The ball had no chance of going in and he caught it after it hit the rim.

I agree - I'm not sure if hitting the rim with your hand is goaltending after the ball's already deflected off it.  If not, the play was a good basketball play that was only dumb because it was close enough to have a good chance of the refs calling it incorrectly.  I'm comfortable with that kind of mental "mistake".

  He probably jumped early because it looked to me like a possible airball.

[youcanthandlethetruth113]

I'm rather torn on this issue as I enjoy the "energy off the bench" which Tony brings, but on the other hand I cannot stand his lack of basketball IQ nor his completely overrated defense.

Energy - Tony is a rare breed in the NBA as he has the athleticism to slash to the basket and almost never settles for a jump shot. This is his best quality - athleticism. He slashes hard and has had quite a high level of success finishing around the basket, which is always a plus.

Basketball IQ - Tony is extremely lacking in this department and has been ever since he was drafted. Over-dribbling, passing with 2 seconds left on the shot-clock when he should be shooting, lack of involvement when he doesn't have the ball in his hands etc.

Defense - I don't know who or where Tony was dubbed a "defensive guy/specialist", but there is certainly zero truth to the myth. Tony constantly blows defensive assignments and when you couple his lack of defense with his low ball IQ you have a formula for disaster! There are so many instances where Doc has had Tony Allen defending the guy with the ball on the final posession where he has blown the assignment it's not even funny anymore (nor was it ever funny at the time). Biting on the Chauncey Billups pump-fake in the playoffs vs. Detroit (game 2 I believe). Last night was also infuriating to watch.

Last night's final few possessions - why did he even attempt to snatch the ball out of the air on Parker's 3-ball? In all honesty, what was he thinking? Regardless of what the super-slow-motion replay showed us, you never go for the ball when it's coming down that close to the cylinder. On the absolute final meaningful possession Lebron has the ball with the C's up 2....

Tony's Assignment: "Run Lebron off the 3-point line". I repeat, RUN LEBRON OFF THE LINE. MAKE HIM/DARE HIM TO GO AROUND YOU AND DO NOT DIP BELOW THE 3-POINT ARC AS HE WILL PULL UP FOR 3.

The result? Tony, as always, blows the assignment and allows Lebron's dribble-jab-shake to force Tony below the 3-point arc which then allowed Lebron to pull up for 3 (and the game) with Tony nowhere to be found. Tony Allen had absolutely zero impact on the outcome of Lebron's 3-point attempt for the lead. Zero. Yet, for some reason Tony goes nuts throwing his arms around and talking smack to Lebron as if Tony was somehow responsible for the missed 3-ball.

It frightens me a great deal that Doc wants to use Tony as his "backup PG", according to the ESPN analysts. Don't we have a more responsible and more intelligent player (and more of a true PG) in Nate Robinson?

In closing, I don't think Tony DESERVES any more than 5-7 mpg in the playoff rotation.

I seriously wished Tony was part of the package shipped to the Knicks instead of Bill Walker

[BballTim]

I'm rather torn on this issue as I enjoy the "energy off the bench" which Tony brings, but on the other hand I cannot stand his lack of basketball IQ nor his completely overrated defense.

Energy - Tony is a rare breed in the NBA as he has the athleticism to slash to the basket and almost never settles for a jump shot. This is his best quality - athleticism. He slashes hard and has had quite a high level of success finishing around the basket, which is always a plus.

Basketball IQ - Tony is extremely lacking in this department and has been ever since he was drafted. Over-dribbling, passing with 2 seconds left on the shot-clock when he should be shooting, lack of involvement when he doesn't have the ball in his hands etc.

Defense - I don't know who or where Tony was dubbed a "defensive guy/specialist", but there is certainly zero truth to the myth. Tony constantly blows defensive assignments and when you couple his lack of defense with his low ball IQ you have a formula for disaster! There are so many instances where Doc has had Tony Allen defending the guy with the ball on the final posession where he has blown the assignment it's not even funny anymore (nor was it ever funny at the time). Biting on the Chauncey Billups pump-fake in the playoffs vs. Detroit (game 2 I believe). Last night was also infuriating to watch.

Last night's final few possessions - why did he even attempt to snatch the ball out of the air on Parker's 3-ball? In all honesty, what was he thinking? Regardless of what the super-slow-motion replay showed us, you never go for the ball when it's coming down that close to the cylinder. On the absolute final meaningful possession Lebron has the ball with the C's up 2....

Tony's Assignment: "Run Lebron off the 3-point line". I repeat, RUN LEBRON OFF THE LINE. MAKE HIM/DARE HIM TO GO AROUND YOU AND DO NOT DIP BELOW THE 3-POINT ARC AS HE WILL PULL UP FOR 3.

The result? Tony, as always, blows the assignment and allows Lebron's dribble-jab-shake to force Tony below the 3-point arc which then allowed Lebron to pull up for 3 (and the game) with Tony nowhere to be found. Tony Allen had absolutely zero impact on the outcome of Lebron's 3-point attempt for the lead. Zero. Yet, for some reason Tony goes nuts throwing his arms around and talking smack to Lebron as if Tony was somehow responsible for the missed 3-ball.

It frightens me a great deal that Doc wants to use Tony as his "backup PG", according to the ESPN analysts. Don't we have a more responsible and more intelligent player (and more of a true PG) in Nate Robinson?

In closing, I don't think Tony DESERVES any more than 5-7 mpg in the playoff rotation.

I seriously wished Tony was part of the package shipped to the Knicks instead of Bill Walker

  Here's a quote from today's herald:

“He just plays hard - he’s our best defensive player,” Rivers said of Allen. “He’s just bought in completely to the team and the way the team plays. He’s no longer trying to score - he understands that scoring just happens. He’s trying to be the best defensive player on our team and he’s figured out that’s how he’s going to play. He gives our team energy.”

  I'd say Doc disagrees with your assessment. I'm also not so sure that TA's assignment was "RUN LEBRON OFF THE LINE. MAKE HIM/DARE HIM TO GO AROUND YOU AND DO NOT DIP BELOW THE 3-POINT ARC AS HE WILL PULL UP FOR 3" In fact, I'd say that *not* letting LeBron get into the lane for the obvious and-one was the smarter move.

  In a two point game, with 5 seconds left, you *dare* LeBron to go around you and take it to the rim? Wow. That would not be my call on the play.

[SalmonAndMashedPotatoes]

Tony's Assignment: "Run Lebron off the 3-point line". I repeat, RUN LEBRON OFF THE LINE. MAKE HIM/DARE HIM TO GO AROUND YOU AND DO NOT DIP BELOW THE 3-POINT ARC AS HE WILL PULL UP FOR 3.

The result? Tony, as always, blows the assignment and allows Lebron's dribble-jab-shake to force Tony below the 3-point arc which then allowed Lebron to pull up for 3 (and the game) with Tony nowhere to be found. Tony Allen had absolutely zero impact on the outcome of Lebron's 3-point attempt for the lead. Zero. Yet, for some reason Tony goes nuts throwing his arms around and talking smack to Lebron as if Tony was somehow responsible for the missed 3-ball.

  Here's a quote from today's herald:

“He just plays hard - he’s our best defensive player,” Rivers said of Allen. “He’s just bought in completely to the team and the way the team plays. He’s no longer trying to score - he understands that scoring just happens. He’s trying to be the best defensive player on our team and he’s figured out that’s how he’s going to play. He gives our team energy.”

  I'd say Doc disagrees with your assessment. I'm also not so sure that TA's assignment was "RUN LEBRON OFF THE LINE. MAKE HIM/DARE HIM TO GO AROUND YOU AND DO NOT DIP BELOW THE 3-POINT ARC AS HE WILL PULL UP FOR 3" In fact, I'd say that *not* letting LeBron get into the lane for the obvious and-one was the smarter move.

  In a two point game, with 5 seconds left, you *dare* LeBron to go around you and take it to the rim? Wow. That would not be my call on the play.

Yeah, simply put the 'assignment' was to stop him from scoring and the best way to do that--either with 5 seconds left in a 2 point game, or in the 1st quarter--is to encourage him to shoot a jump shot.  That's your only chance against Lebron--hope he misses his jump shot.  He's just too deadly when he starts penetrating.

Now, if it would have been a 3 point game, you'd want to crowd him and potentially foul him before he could shoot the 3.  But in a 2 point game with the best player in the world barrelling down on you, the last thing you want to get in his grill and encourage him to drive around you and dunk the ball and possibly get rewarded with a cheap And-1.  

TA did the absolute right thing in that situation--he made Lebron take the worst possible shot he could.  And for doing that, he deserves the right to celebrate for helping Lebron make a stupid play...

***

It's amazing how people judge a play's worthiness by focusing on the player involved.  I guarantee you that if KG had persuaded Lebron into a hero shot (that he missed badly), or mistimed his jump on a rebound, people would be looking at things a lot differently, praising KG for his veteran guile or his amazing rebound and agility.  But anything TA does come with a ton of baggage...

[youcanthandlethetruth113]

I'm rather torn on this issue as I enjoy the "energy off the bench" which Tony brings, but on the other hand I cannot stand his lack of basketball IQ nor his completely overrated defense.

Energy - Tony is a rare breed in the NBA as he has the athleticism to slash to the basket and almost never settles for a jump shot. This is his best quality - athleticism. He slashes hard and has had quite a high level of success finishing around the basket, which is always a plus.

Basketball IQ - Tony is extremely lacking in this department and has been ever since he was drafted. Over-dribbling, passing with 2 seconds left on the shot-clock when he should be shooting, lack of involvement when he doesn't have the ball in his hands etc.

Defense - I don't know who or where Tony was dubbed a "defensive guy/specialist", but there is certainly zero truth to the myth. Tony constantly blows defensive assignments and when you couple his lack of defense with his low ball IQ you have a formula for disaster! There are so many instances where Doc has had Tony Allen defending the guy with the ball on the final posession where he has blown the assignment it's not even funny anymore (nor was it ever funny at the time). Biting on the Chauncey Billups pump-fake in the playoffs vs. Detroit (game 2 I believe). Last night was also infuriating to watch.

Last night's final few possessions - why did he even attempt to snatch the ball out of the air on Parker's 3-ball? In all honesty, what was he thinking? Regardless of what the super-slow-motion replay showed us, you never go for the ball when it's coming down that close to the cylinder. On the absolute final meaningful possession Lebron has the ball with the C's up 2....

Tony's Assignment: "Run Lebron off the 3-point line". I repeat, RUN LEBRON OFF THE LINE. MAKE HIM/DARE HIM TO GO AROUND YOU AND DO NOT DIP BELOW THE 3-POINT ARC AS HE WILL PULL UP FOR 3.

The result? Tony, as always, blows the assignment and allows Lebron's dribble-jab-shake to force Tony below the 3-point arc which then allowed Lebron to pull up for 3 (and the game) with Tony nowhere to be found. Tony Allen had absolutely zero impact on the outcome of Lebron's 3-point attempt for the lead. Zero. Yet, for some reason Tony goes nuts throwing his arms around and talking smack to Lebron as if Tony was somehow responsible for the missed 3-ball.

It frightens me a great deal that Doc wants to use Tony as his "backup PG", according to the ESPN analysts. Don't we have a more responsible and more intelligent player (and more of a true PG) in Nate Robinson?

In closing, I don't think Tony DESERVES any more than 5-7 mpg in the playoff rotation.

I seriously wished Tony was part of the package shipped to the Knicks instead of Bill Walker

  Here's a quote from today's herald:

“He just plays hard - he’s our best defensive player,” Rivers said of Allen. “He’s just bought in completely to the team and the way the team plays. He’s no longer trying to score - he understands that scoring just happens. He’s trying to be the best defensive player on our team and he’s figured out that’s how he’s going to play. He gives our team energy.”

  I'd say Doc disagrees with your assessment. I'm also not so sure that TA's assignment was "RUN LEBRON OFF THE LINE. MAKE HIM/DARE HIM TO GO AROUND YOU AND DO NOT DIP BELOW THE 3-POINT ARC AS HE WILL PULL UP FOR 3" In fact, I'd say that *not* letting LeBron get into the lane for the obvious and-one was the smarter move.

  In a two point game, with 5 seconds left, you *dare* LeBron to go around you and take it to the rim? Wow. That would not be my call on the play.

Yes, I'd give him the lane and foul hard sending him to the line for 2 (at best).

When up 2 I think eliminating the 3-ball is always the proper thing to do.

If that 3-ball goes in then there is zero chance TA receives any praise today. Zero.

At worst Lebron would tie the game allowing Boston to have the final possession for the game and at worst, overtime.

[youcanthandlethetruth113]

Tony's Assignment: "Run Lebron off the 3-point line". I repeat, RUN LEBRON OFF THE LINE. MAKE HIM/DARE HIM TO GO AROUND YOU AND DO NOT DIP BELOW THE 3-POINT ARC AS HE WILL PULL UP FOR 3.

The result? Tony, as always, blows the assignment and allows Lebron's dribble-jab-shake to force Tony below the 3-point arc which then allowed Lebron to pull up for 3 (and the game) with Tony nowhere to be found. Tony Allen had absolutely zero impact on the outcome of Lebron's 3-point attempt for the lead. Zero. Yet, for some reason Tony goes nuts throwing his arms around and talking smack to Lebron as if Tony was somehow responsible for the missed 3-ball.

  Here's a quote from today's herald:

“He just plays hard - he’s our best defensive player,” Rivers said of Allen. “He’s just bought in completely to the team and the way the team plays. He’s no longer trying to score - he understands that scoring just happens. He’s trying to be the best defensive player on our team and he’s figured out that’s how he’s going to play. He gives our team energy.”

  I'd say Doc disagrees with your assessment. I'm also not so sure that TA's assignment was "RUN LEBRON OFF THE LINE. MAKE HIM/DARE HIM TO GO AROUND YOU AND DO NOT DIP BELOW THE 3-POINT ARC AS HE WILL PULL UP FOR 3" In fact, I'd say that *not* letting LeBron get into the lane for the obvious and-one was the smarter move.

  In a two point game, with 5 seconds left, you *dare* LeBron to go around you and take it to the rim? Wow. That would not be my call on the play.

Yeah, simply put the 'assignment' was to stop him from scoring and the best way to do that--either with 5 seconds left in a 2 point game, or in the 1st quarter--is to encourage him to shoot a jump shot.  That's your only chance against Lebron--hope he misses his jump shot.  He's just too deadly when he starts penetrating.

Now, if it would have been a 3 point game, you'd want to crowd him and potentially foul him before he could shoot the 3.  But in a 2 point game with the best player in the world barrelling down on you, the last thing you want to get in his grill and encourage him to drive around you and dunk the ball and possibly get rewarded with a cheap And-1.  

TA did the absolute right thing in that situation--he made Lebron take the worst possible shot he could.  And for doing that, he deserves the right to celebrate for helping Lebron make a stupid play...

***

It's amazing how people judge a play's worthiness by focusing on the player involved.  I guarantee you that if KG had persuaded Lebron into a hero shot (that he missed badly), or mistimed his jump on a rebound, people would be looking at things a lot differently, praising KG for his veteran guile or his amazing rebound and agility.  But anything TA does come with a ton of baggage...

Are you kidding? A cheap and-1?

There is a 0% chance Lebron would be allowed such an opportunity as one of 2 scenario's would have happened:

1. Give him the lane/hoop.
2. Foul hard and wrap him up

We're talking about KG as p---ed as I've seen him and Perk being the one's to greet Lebron in the paint. I wonder why he chose to settle for the jumper?

[fairweatherfan]

There are so many instances where Doc has had Tony Allen defending the guy with the ball on the final posession where he has blown the assignment it's not even funny anymore (nor was it ever funny at the time). Biting on the Chauncey Billups pump-fake in the playoffs vs. Detroit (game 2 I believe).

This was the first regular-season game against Detroit in 08.

Tony's Assignment: "Run Lebron off the 3-point line". I repeat, RUN LEBRON OFF THE LINE. MAKE HIM/DARE HIM TO GO AROUND YOU AND DO NOT DIP BELOW THE 3-POINT ARC AS HE WILL PULL UP FOR 3.

The result? Tony, as always, blows the assignment and allows Lebron's dribble-jab-shake to force Tony below the 3-point arc which then allowed Lebron to pull up for 3 (and the game) with Tony nowhere to be found. Tony Allen had absolutely zero impact on the outcome of Lebron's 3-point attempt for the lead. Zero. Yet, for some reason Tony goes nuts throwing his arms around and talking smack to Lebron as if Tony was somehow responsible for the missed 3-ball.

I'm pretty sure the defensive strategy on LeBron is exactly the opposite of what you've described, especially on a break situation like that.  Once he's got the ball, every coach in the league would rather he jack up long jump shots than drive to the hoop, where the likely outcomes are A. LeBron physically dominates the defender(s) and dunks or lays it in, B. LeBron gets a foul call that he may or may not deserve, or C. Both.   

EDIT:  Heh, beaten to this.  But yeah, you absolutely want LeBron chucking 3s over driving hard to the hoop.  Even when up 2 late.

I dumped on Tony as much as anyone before this year, but I'm very, very happy with his play this season.  His mental mistakes have dropped off significantly and he plays an important role for us.  We need him going forward.

[Spilling Green Dye]

So I just took a look at the individual PER's on our roster.  Tony has been one of the biggest surprises (in a good way) this season.  Marquis on the other hand has been a big disappointment in this department.

Whether you put much stock in PER or not, it's interesting to note the following:

PROJECTED PER for 2009-2010:
Marquis:  12.04
Tony Allen:  11.73

ACTUAL PER for 2009-2010:
Marquis:  9.19
Tony Allen:  14.37

The "actual" has a very big gap, which reaffirms why I have wanted Tony to play more off the bench.

[youcanthandlethetruth113]

Tony's Assignment: "Run Lebron off the 3-point line". I repeat, RUN LEBRON OFF THE LINE. MAKE HIM/DARE HIM TO GO AROUND YOU AND DO NOT DIP BELOW THE 3-POINT ARC AS HE WILL PULL UP FOR 3.

The result? Tony, as always, blows the assignment and allows Lebron's dribble-jab-shake to force Tony below the 3-point arc which then allowed Lebron to pull up for 3 (and the game) with Tony nowhere to be found. Tony Allen had absolutely zero impact on the outcome of Lebron's 3-point attempt for the lead. Zero. Yet, for some reason Tony goes nuts throwing his arms around and talking smack to Lebron as if Tony was somehow responsible for the missed 3-ball.

  Here's a quote from today's herald:

“He just plays hard - he’s our best defensive player,” Rivers said of Allen. “He’s just bought in completely to the team and the way the team plays. He’s no longer trying to score - he understands that scoring just happens. He’s trying to be the best defensive player on our team and he’s figured out that’s how he’s going to play. He gives our team energy.”

  I'd say Doc disagrees with your assessment. I'm also not so sure that TA's assignment was "RUN LEBRON OFF THE LINE. MAKE HIM/DARE HIM TO GO AROUND YOU AND DO NOT DIP BELOW THE 3-POINT ARC AS HE WILL PULL UP FOR 3" In fact, I'd say that *not* letting LeBron get into the lane for the obvious and-one was the smarter move.

  In a two point game, with 5 seconds left, you *dare* LeBron to go around you and take it to the rim? Wow. That would not be my call on the play.

Yeah, simply put the 'assignment' was to stop him from scoring and the best way to do that--either with 5 seconds left in a 2 point game, or in the 1st quarter--is to encourage him to shoot a jump shot.  That's your only chance against Lebron--hope he misses his jump shot.  He's just too deadly when he starts penetrating.

Now, if it would have been a 3 point game, you'd want to crowd him and potentially foul him before he could shoot the 3.  But in a 2 point game with the best player in the world barrelling down on you, the last thing you want to get in his grill and encourage him to drive around you and dunk the ball and possibly get rewarded with a cheap And-1.  

TA did the absolute right thing in that situation--he made Lebron take the worst possible shot he could.  And for doing that, he deserves the right to celebrate for helping Lebron make a stupid play...

***

It's amazing how people judge a play's worthiness by focusing on the player involved.  I guarantee you that if KG had persuaded Lebron into a hero shot (that he missed badly), or mistimed his jump on a rebound, people would be looking at things a lot differently, praising KG for his veteran guile or his amazing rebound and agility.  But anything TA does come with a ton of baggage...

How is that the worst possible shot Lebron could have taken? They already clinched the best record in the league and had NOTHING TO LOSE! That 3-ball would have sunk a dagger so far into our hearts that we all would have questioned the C's mental toughness and ability to finish a game. Tony GAVE Lebron an UNCONTESTED 3. Completely unacceptable.

[BballTim]

I'm rather torn on this issue as I enjoy the "energy off the bench" which Tony brings, but on the other hand I cannot stand his lack of basketball IQ nor his completely overrated defense.

Energy - Tony is a rare breed in the NBA as he has the athleticism to slash to the basket and almost never settles for a jump shot. This is his best quality - athleticism. He slashes hard and has had quite a high level of success finishing around the basket, which is always a plus.

Basketball IQ - Tony is extremely lacking in this department and has been ever since he was drafted. Over-dribbling, passing with 2 seconds left on the shot-clock when he should be shooting, lack of involvement when he doesn't have the ball in his hands etc.

Defense - I don't know who or where Tony was dubbed a "defensive guy/specialist", but there is certainly zero truth to the myth. Tony constantly blows defensive assignments and when you couple his lack of defense with his low ball IQ you have a formula for disaster! There are so many instances where Doc has had Tony Allen defending the guy with the ball on the final posession where he has blown the assignment it's not even funny anymore (nor was it ever funny at the time). Biting on the Chauncey Billups pump-fake in the playoffs vs. Detroit (game 2 I believe). Last night was also infuriating to watch.

Last night's final few possessions - why did he even attempt to snatch the ball out of the air on Parker's 3-ball? In all honesty, what was he thinking? Regardless of what the super-slow-motion replay showed us, you never go for the ball when it's coming down that close to the cylinder. On the absolute final meaningful possession Lebron has the ball with the C's up 2....

Tony's Assignment: "Run Lebron off the 3-point line". I repeat, RUN LEBRON OFF THE LINE. MAKE HIM/DARE HIM TO GO AROUND YOU AND DO NOT DIP BELOW THE 3-POINT ARC AS HE WILL PULL UP FOR 3.

The result? Tony, as always, blows the assignment and allows Lebron's dribble-jab-shake to force Tony below the 3-point arc which then allowed Lebron to pull up for 3 (and the game) with Tony nowhere to be found. Tony Allen had absolutely zero impact on the outcome of Lebron's 3-point attempt for the lead. Zero. Yet, for some reason Tony goes nuts throwing his arms around and talking smack to Lebron as if Tony was somehow responsible for the missed 3-ball.

It frightens me a great deal that Doc wants to use Tony as his "backup PG", according to the ESPN analysts. Don't we have a more responsible and more intelligent player (and more of a true PG) in Nate Robinson?

In closing, I don't think Tony DESERVES any more than 5-7 mpg in the playoff rotation.

I seriously wished Tony was part of the package shipped to the Knicks instead of Bill Walker

  Here's a quote from today's herald:

“He just plays hard - he’s our best defensive player,” Rivers said of Allen. “He’s just bought in completely to the team and the way the team plays. He’s no longer trying to score - he understands that scoring just happens. He’s trying to be the best defensive player on our team and he’s figured out that’s how he’s going to play. He gives our team energy.”

  I'd say Doc disagrees with your assessment. I'm also not so sure that TA's assignment was "RUN LEBRON OFF THE LINE. MAKE HIM/DARE HIM TO GO AROUND YOU AND DO NOT DIP BELOW THE 3-POINT ARC AS HE WILL PULL UP FOR 3" In fact, I'd say that *not* letting LeBron get into the lane for the obvious and-one was the smarter move.

  In a two point game, with 5 seconds left, you *dare* LeBron to go around you and take it to the rim? Wow. That would not be my call on the play.

Yes, I'd give him the lane and foul hard sending him to the line for 2 (at best).

When up 2 I think eliminating the 3-ball is always the proper thing to do.

If that 3-ball goes in then there is zero chance TA receives any praise today. Zero.

At worst Lebron would tie the game allowing Boston to have the final possession for the game and at worst, overtime.

  Give LeBron a hard foul so he can't get the shot off and will get to the line for two? Haha. If anyone fouled LeBron so hard that he couldn't get the shot off (many have tried, most have failed) they'd likely have a flagrant called against them. It's like saying the way to defend a 25 year old Shaq was to just keep him from getting position down low.

  And, sure there's zero chance TA gets credit if LeBron makes the three. He's getting killed for making a clean rebound because the ref blew the call. It's not like he gets the benefit of the doubt or anything.

[Big_Matt34]

How is that the worst possible shot Lebron could have taken? They already clinched the best record in the league and had NOTHING TO LOSE! That 3-ball would have sunk a dagger so far into our hearts that we all would have questioned the C's mental toughness and ability to finish a game. Tony GAVE Lebron an UNCONTESTED 3. Completely unacceptable.

Lebron shoots 68% on shots close to the basket this year, and 96% on dunk attempts. He shoots 44% on jumpers, and 34% from 3. He was 0-8 from 3 to that point in the game. Playing back and forcing him to take the 3 was absolutely the right thing to do, why allow him to take a higher % shot?

Also, Doc would disagree with you about TA's defense, as BballTim showed from the Herald, Doc says TA is the teams best perimeter defender.

[BballTim]

Tony's Assignment: "Run Lebron off the 3-point line". I repeat, RUN LEBRON OFF THE LINE. MAKE HIM/DARE HIM TO GO AROUND YOU AND DO NOT DIP BELOW THE 3-POINT ARC AS HE WILL PULL UP FOR 3.

The result? Tony, as always, blows the assignment and allows Lebron's dribble-jab-shake to force Tony below the 3-point arc which then allowed Lebron to pull up for 3 (and the game) with Tony nowhere to be found. Tony Allen had absolutely zero impact on the outcome of Lebron's 3-point attempt for the lead. Zero. Yet, for some reason Tony goes nuts throwing his arms around and talking smack to Lebron as if Tony was somehow responsible for the missed 3-ball.

  Here's a quote from today's herald:

“He just plays hard - he’s our best defensive player,” Rivers said of Allen. “He’s just bought in completely to the team and the way the team plays. He’s no longer trying to score - he understands that scoring just happens. He’s trying to be the best defensive player on our team and he’s figured out that’s how he’s going to play. He gives our team energy.”

  I'd say Doc disagrees with your assessment. I'm also not so sure that TA's assignment was "RUN LEBRON OFF THE LINE. MAKE HIM/DARE HIM TO GO AROUND YOU AND DO NOT DIP BELOW THE 3-POINT ARC AS HE WILL PULL UP FOR 3" In fact, I'd say that *not* letting LeBron get into the lane for the obvious and-one was the smarter move.

  In a two point game, with 5 seconds left, you *dare* LeBron to go around you and take it to the rim? Wow. That would not be my call on the play.

Yeah, simply put the 'assignment' was to stop him from scoring and the best way to do that--either with 5 seconds left in a 2 point game, or in the 1st quarter--is to encourage him to shoot a jump shot.  That's your only chance against Lebron--hope he misses his jump shot.  He's just too deadly when he starts penetrating.

Now, if it would have been a 3 point game, you'd want to crowd him and potentially foul him before he could shoot the 3.  But in a 2 point game with the best player in the world barrelling down on you, the last thing you want to get in his grill and encourage him to drive around you and dunk the ball and possibly get rewarded with a cheap And-1.  

TA did the absolute right thing in that situation--he made Lebron take the worst possible shot he could.  And for doing that, he deserves the right to celebrate for helping Lebron make a stupid play...

***

It's amazing how people judge a play's worthiness by focusing on the player involved.  I guarantee you that if KG had persuaded Lebron into a hero shot (that he missed badly), or mistimed his jump on a rebound, people would be looking at things a lot differently, praising KG for his veteran guile or his amazing rebound and agility.  But anything TA does come with a ton of baggage...

Are you kidding? A cheap and-1?

There is a 0% chance Lebron would be allowed such an opportunity as one of 2 scenario's would have happened:

1. Give him the lane/hoop.
2. Foul hard and wrap him up

We're talking about KG as ****ed as I've seen him and Perk being the one's to greet Lebron in the paint. I wonder why he chose to settle for the jumper?

  You don't seem to have any idea how hard it is to wrap up LeBron and keep him from shooting. And wasn't that play off a missed Perk foul shot? I don't think it was KG and Perk defending the basket on that play, I think it was Ray and Rondo, and neither of them were set. No offense, but in that situation, with LeBron driving on those guys, my money's on LeBron. All of it.

[droopdog7]

I'm rather torn on this issue as I enjoy the "energy off the bench" which Tony brings, but on the other hand I cannot stand his lack of basketball IQ nor his completely overrated defense.

TA can be an idiot, sure, but I would hardly call his defense overrated.  I think he is our best defender and has done an admirable job of slowing down some of the leagues best players recently.  So yes, I am comfortable with the idea that TA has earned his minutes and should continue to play.

[SalmonAndMashedPotatoes]

Are you kidding? A cheap and-1?

There is a 0% chance Lebron would be allowed such an opportunity as one of 2 scenario's would have happened:

1. Give him the lane/hoop.
2. Foul hard and wrap him up

We're talking about KG as ****ed as I've seen him and Perk being the one's to greet Lebron in the paint. I wonder why he chose to settle for the jumper?

0% chance?  Are we talking about the same Lebron here, the one who routinely runs through arm tackles to get And-1s like 4 or 5 times a game, even when people are purposefully trying to stop him?  Listen, Lebron had a head of steam heading for the rim against Ray and Tony Allen.  About the only way you stop him for getting an easy layup or dunk would be to:

a.) take him out at the knees, a la a defensive back in the open field (which would result in a flagrant foul, btw); or
b.) hope he misses.

Those were the alternatives.  Either he gets a layup/dunk and probably an And-1 attempt (to win the game); or he hits a 3 pointer for the first time all game (he was 0 for 8 at the time from deep).  It's an easy choice and TA made the right play.  Lebron can't be stopped at the rim when he's in attack mode and you have to do anything you can to get him to jack a jumper.  That's the only play you can make.

How is that the worst possible shot Lebron could have taken? They already clinched the best record in the league and had NOTHING TO LOSE! That 3-ball would have sunk a dagger so far into our hearts that we all would have questioned the C's mental toughness and ability to finish a game. Tony GAVE Lebron an UNCONTESTED 3. Completely unacceptable.

The only chance, and I mean only change in hell you have against Lebron is to entice him into a contested jump shot and hope he misses.  If he gets in the lane, HE CANNOT BE STOPPED, especially in transition.  This is the league-wide defense against Lebron--entice him into contested jump shots, hope he misses.  That's all you can do.