Feb 8, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) celebrates after a play in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Atlanta 94-88. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
The Memphis Grizzlies are known as a top-notch defensive team–largely in part of Tony Allen’s grit-‘n’-grind style of play.
First off, where did the popular Grizzlies phrase, Grit ‘N’ Grind, derive? The answer? Tony Allen, Memphis’ defensive catalyst.
The phrase that describes the team’s approach was originally said by Allen in a postgame interview four years ago after the Grizzlies won a hard-fought in Oklahoma City against Kevin Durant and the Thunder.
Here is that postgame interview with the quote:
Since then, Memphians refer to Tony Allen as the “Grindfather.” He is the heart and soul of the clawing Grizzly defense.
With the defense comes TA’s crowd-pleasing antics at Memphis Grizzlies home games in the FedEx Forum–known through Grizz terminology as the “Grindhouse.”
Allen is a fan favorite in the 901 and he is quickly becoming a legend across the city. Why? His defensive play on all the top scorer’s in the NBA is deserving of nothing less than First Team All-Defense, and, well, his aforementioned antics.
You never know what type of reaction you will get from Tony, but one thing is guaranteed–it will always be entertaining. TA is always into each game so much that it is worth the price of admission to watch his stellar defensive play and his priceless reactions that get the Grindhouse jumping.
Now, BealeStreetBears.com will take a look at some of those top moments from Tony Allen’s tenure as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies.