Kobe Bryant‘s influence on Tony Allen, a former player who is widely considered as one of the best defensive players of all time, was exceptional.
During his audio interview on ForgottenSeasonsNBA, former Memphis Grizzlies two-guard Tony Allen continued to offer a variety of anecdotes from his playing career. One of them was being fouled out in eight minutes by Kobe Bryant.
“I don’t know if y’all know this but let me give you some quick trivia. You know, Kobe Bryant fouled me out in 8 minutes, 6 fouls in 8 minutes. Man, I was just nervous, man. I was just like, damn. I’m actually running up against this dude. And from that point on, I always look back at that moment and was like, ‘That’ll never happen again.’”
Tony Allen was still in his early years in the NBA at the time of the incident, but he was beginning to establish himself as one of the best defenders in the game.
But by then, Bryant had been in the NBA for a good while, even though he was just three years older than the player covering him that day. Thus, by the end, the Lakers legend had humiliated him since he knew just what to do. Then-Cetics man Allen had a day he would never forget as the Black Mamba, as shown in the Instagram photo above, blasted off for 41 points after making sure Allen had fouled out.
Nevertheless, “TA” wasn’t the only one made to show respect for his opponent. Years later, Bryant, a then-retired man, responded enthusiastically and without hesitation. What he said is as follows.
“Tony Allen! Easy! He was the only one that wasn’t crying for help… Tony Allen would play straight up, he would be physical. I could score ten straight on him, he’s not blinking. He’s still there, he’s still being physical, he’s not backing down. Tony Allen [is the toughest defender I’ve ever faced] by far.”
The Black Mamba’s declaration that Tony Allen was the hardest player to face may have been the biggest compliment the defensive-first guard had ever received, given how determined he was to outplay his opponent. But it’s one he more than merits, considering his skill on this side of the court.