NBA: 8 players to surprise in the playoffs

Tony Allen will make a repeat of last year and shut down the perimeter in the first round.

Whereas the Mavericks are not built to last in the playoffs in the Western Conference, their divisional rivals in Memphis are built perfectly to advance late into the postseason. Behind a tough frontcourt led by Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, the Grizzlies win games by slowing the pace and wearing down their opponents in half-court sets. This model is especially effective in a series where the two teams have up to seven games to become familiar with their opponents playing styles. A team can adjust to a quicker offensive pace over the course of an NBA playoff series, but a smothering interior style simply needs to be outlasted.

While Gasol acts as the anchor for the Grizzlies defense down low, forward Tony Allen is the key player out on the perimeter, closing up on his assignments and denying them the ball throughout the game. In last year’s first round, Allen drew the assignment of NBA MVP Kevin Durant, and he rose to the challenge by forcing Durant to work for every offensive touch and shot attempt. The result was a close series, and Durant was as uncomfortable on the court as he has ever been.

Expect the same to happen against the Portland Trail Blazers. If the Grizzlies are smart (I think they are), they will try to put Allen on Damian Lillard. It will be impossible to deny Lillard the ball considering that Lillard generally acts as the point man, but if Allen can force Dame to work for his perimeter shot and direct Lillard towards help defense on drives to the basket, then the Grizzlies have eliminated perhaps the Trail Blazers best hope for advancement in the first round.

The Grizzlies are also likely the West’s best chance to beat the Golden State Warriors, who they would likely end up playing in the next round if they advance past Portland. Allen would have a tougher assignment, but if he can deny Klay Thompson the ball throughout the series and the Grizzlies can slow down the pace of the game, then they have a wonderful opportunity to draw out a potential series to seven games.

Who knows what will happen when you get to that seventh game?

Next: Kevin Love