Tony Allen, Serge Ibaka, Nick Collison -10 dark horses of the post-season: NBA Playoffs 2011 (Pt-2)
Memphis Grizzlies - Tony Allen
The Memphis Grizzlies Tony Allen played magnificently in this year’s playoffs. Allen showcased a hardnosed brand of defence and bolted for Memphis in all 13 games. The Grizzlies’ top defender hounded his opponents with his extra athleticism and intensity and was pivotal in knocking down the mighty San Antonio Spurs in the first round of playoffs.
Tony Allen also played exceptionally well against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the conference semi-finals. Although the Grizzlies were ultimately defeated 4-3, but Allen showcased a side of him that the NBA world never thought he had. He proved himself as Grizzlies top defender. Throughout the playoffs, he was the architect of many pick and roll and was himself exceptional in transition. Allen scored at an average of 8.8 points per game in the playoffs, however these stats do not tell the whole story. Allen was the key force behind the defensive resurgence of the Grizzlies and paced them with 1.9 steals per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder - Serge Ibaka
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka is a tremendous blocker. Although he is still incredibly raw as a prospect, Ibaka has been able to carve out a spot in the Thunder rotation as a defensive specialist and dominant shot-blocker.
In his very first year, the 6ft 10in sensation is proving to be a nightmare for forwards all across the league. Ibaka’s defence is exceptional and he complements it with his brilliant shot blocking ability. I-Block-a finished this year’s playoffs with a phenomenal block average of 3.
Together with Kendrick Perkins, Ibaka formed the defensive core of the Oklahoma City Thunder throughout the post season. He helped Thunder get pass the Denver Nuggets in the first round and then proved to be pivotal in containing the bigs of Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference Finals.
Against the Dallas Mavericks, Ibaka failed to impress in the game-1, which OKC lost 100-96. However, in game-2, Ibaka erupted with 18 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks. The young star finished the series with averages of 10.4 points, 6.4 boards and 3.4 blocks per game and in the total 17 games that he played, Ibaka posted 9.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder - Nick Collison
Nick Collison was yet another other Thunder who inspired many with his brilliant play in the post season. Scott Brooks, the OKC coach, often used Collison in short burst throughout the playoffs. Although over the years, Collison’s lack of sufficient explosiveness and athleticism has hampered his playing minutes, Collison shrugged that notion in the playoffs. Against the Memphis Grizzlies, Collison made sure that ace power forward Zach Randolph does not a clear look whenever he is up against him.
And then against the Dallas Mavericks, when Kendrick Perkins failed to counter Tyson Chandler time and again, Collison provided OKC some respite. Nick Collison played 17 games in the post season and finished with an average of 6.7 points and 5.8 rebounds.
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