The story of the Cleveland Cavaliers' iconic 2016 championship run is filled with legendary moments, but Iman Shumpert's recent revelation adds a fascinating twist involving Tony Allen. Known for their record-setting 73-win season, the Golden State Warriors seemed unstoppable, especially after taking a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals. Yet, the Cavaliers pulled off a historic comeback to capture their first-ever title.
In a candid chat on “Out the Mud,” Shumpert shared how he and JR Smith were locked in a fierce defensive battle with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Enter Tony Allen, the defensive maestro from the Memphis Grizzlies, who reached out with some invaluable advice.
Allen, a three-time All-NBA Defensive First Team honoree, called Shumpert with a straightforward directive: “Don’t help off. Wherever you’re at, stay there.
No help.” Shumpert and Smith took this advice to heart, and it played a crucial role in their strategy against the Warriors.
The result? A thrilling Game 7 victory that sealed the Cavaliers' place in history.
Allen's advice was simple yet profound. He warned Shumpert about the futility of chasing rebounds against the Warriors' sharpshooters, emphasizing the importance of sticking to their defensive assignments. Shumpert and Smith embraced the gritty, relentless style Allen advocated, contributing significantly to their defensive success.
While Curry and Thompson still managed to put up points, the Cavaliers’ defense, bolstered by Allen's insights, was relentless. Matthew Dellavedova also played a pivotal role in guarding the Splash Brothers, adding to the defensive intensity.
Allen's experience battling Curry and Thompson, especially during the Grizzlies-Warriors playoff clashes, lent credibility to his advice. His insights helped the Cavaliers disrupt the Warriors' rhythm, showcasing how even off-court contributions can shape championship outcomes.