<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Tony Allen is finally playing like Tony Allen, which is a welcome sight for the Celtics. Some were beginning to wonder if he?d ever be the same following offseason surgery on his right knee, but Allen seems to have turned a corner the last two days. He scored a season-high 18 points against the Lakers last night to eclipse the season-high 14 he netted at Indiana Sunday. Allen also blocked a career-high four shots in the 105-97 loss to L.A. ?I thought Tony Allen once again was phenomenal,? coach Doc Rivers said. ?I thought his defense was amazing. He competed against Kobe (Bryant). I didn?t think he ever backed down. He?s really playing winning basketball right now, and that?s good to see.? Paul Pierce believesthe way Allen?s learned how to deal with his knee and legal issues has helped him improve. The second-year pro faces an aggravated battery charge resulting from an incident at a Chicago restaurant in August. ?As time has went on, he?s dealt with it a lot better,? Pierce said. ?He hasn?t let a lot of these things get to him as much as they did in the past. He?s moving on. Whatever happens, happens.? Allen believes it?s just a matter of playing more. ?It?s more of a sense of urgency right now, just trying to help the team and do what I can, whether it?s passing Gatorades or whatever it is, I want to help,? he said. </div> Source I have to agree with the observations, I thought Allen looked great last night. He has the explosive first step to get around his defender and a lot of creativity around the rim. He was also disruptive on defense and always had a hand in Kobe's face. Hopefully Allen can stay out of trouble off the court and really commit to the game. He has all the physical tools to be a star in the league.
The Tony Allen Show I enjoyed watching Allen. I am utterly surprised that he has regained his elevation. The first step is lethal again. But his real value lies in defense, and man can he play it. He'll be an important piece next year. Even though he's only 6'4", he looks capable of guarding ones, twos and threes. Nice to see. Now more minutes for Green in that second unit, he's been pretty good, too.
It's great to see that he's starting to pick up from where he left off last year. What I love about Allen, besides his defense, is that he takes smart shots. If he sees the opening he'll slash, but he still can hit the occasional perimeter shot.
he makes bad decisions too though. especially when playing the point. ive seen him drive when he should shoot or pass, shoot when he should pass or drive, pass when he should drive or shoot and of course drive when he should shoot or pass. great to see him get his ups back tho
