
Memphis Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger surprised everyone by announcing Grizzlies defensive stopper, Tony Allen, will be suspended for their contest tonight against the Utah Jazz.
Allen might not be missed too much due to the mismatch between the 2 teams, but it is still a shock.
From Ronald Tillery at the Commercial Appeal.
“It’s an isolated incident that happened. We’ve moved on. It’s over,” Joerger said. “He’s been great for us. I’ve played him more in February than any other time in the season. He’s been great accepting his new role, being some with the second unit and some with the first unit. He’s been locked in. He has had playoff focus. This is an isolated incident.”
While the exact details haven’t been released yet, you have to imagine it would be something serious to get Allen suspended for a game. His importance on the defensive end is immense for the Grizzlies and he often is the primary defender on the Grizzlies opponents best perimeter offensive option.
In his last 10 games, Allen has averaged 8 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, which is right at his season average in both categories. They could definitely have used him against Gordon Hayward on the perimeter Tuesday night against the Jazz.
Also out for the Grizzlies is starting power forward Zach Randolph, due to illness.