Why Kobe Bryant Believed Tony Allen Was His Toughest Matchup

At the end of Kobe's great career, he has said multiple times how Tony Allen was by far his toughest matchup. His physicality and relentless to continue competing was unlike anyone else and this gave Kobe Bryant problems. Today, we go into why Tony Allen was able to hold his ground. If you enjoyed this video, please like & subscribe.

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[Trinx]

I remember my nerves getting bad when Tony Allen guarded kobe. Quick laterally, stayed on kobes shooting hand, played the passing lanes, strong and physical.

[marvingamez]

I know it’s not popular, but I love defense in basketball. It makes the game beautiful.

[kawaiiafangirl]

If Tony Allen only developed a jump shot, he could be on the court longer and be known as an even greater defensive player than he already is. bc of his inability to shoot or be a play maker, he maxed out at about 27 MPG. In terms of perimeter defense, Tony was one of the best I've seen along the likes of Gary Payton and Scottie.

[manimal]

Tony Allen was one of the best on ball defenders I’ve ever seen, he was relentless with incredible hands it was a pleasure to watch him play defence just like it was watching the mamba operate on offence, masters.

[lu]

Tibs was the the mastermind behind this celtics defense. Did it with Chicago and is now working on it with the knicks . Tony allen may have been there best defender but that celtics team had some great lockdown defenders as well . Defensively they were well put together.

[smoothjb]

Who tf could dislike this video? If you like basketball this is good stuff

[mdp]

My observation: Players think highly of individual defenders like Tony Allen and Jrue Holiday. Media prefers team defenders like KG and Dray.

[Maal]

Best man to man defensive shooting guard I ever seen. Always felt he could guard Kobe Bryant.

[Whatacomedian_]

This may go unnoticed but tony allen was also kds toughest matchup. During the grizzles-thunder matchups tony would always steal the ball from kd. Tony was a special case because he was the right height and reach to stand perfect with kd's dribble. I wonder if kd ever spoke on how well tony guarded him.

[doodoobutter]

My second favorite celtic of all time behind Paul Pierce... just loved his passion for the game

[hudsanity_]

Tony Allen vs the Warriors with the Grizzlies is some of the most jaw dropping defense I've ever witnessed. One time I swear he flew like a wide receiver for some steals on Klay Thompson

[psychedelicpsychosis]

Kd also said tony Allen was his toughest defender.

[MoNoXiDe]

I’ve said this for years. Tony Allen is such an underrated defender. The real ones remember you Tony!

[AndreJerry-ooex]

I love Kobe and this video because I think kobe would love it because it’s honest and real 👍

[hn]

Great content. That Kobe pumpfake is beautiful. Another video on Kobe’s offense toolbags someday?

[ReCharredSigh]

i’m curious as to whether the stats and tape together show shane battier to be better or worse guarding kobe compared to tony allen.
Shane battier was obviously not as quick, strong and aggressive as tony allen (so he couldn’t gamble for steals or blocks as much). But he did his homework, followed the gameplan to a tee, was unafraid of pushing kobe towards help (even though that might not make him look as cool as other defenders), and disciplined enough to play the mind games perfectly by never trash talking kobe and constantly downplaying his defensive impact in interviews.
He also was completely ok with kobe scoring on him; battier knew all he could do was push kobe to his weaker spots, and if kobe still scored 40, but just did it at a slightly lower efficiency, so be it.

[threezysworld]

4:08 Was that Tony Allen, or was it Future talking about Kobe? 😭😭😂😂

[Swiftfoot]

Back here after watching TA get his jersey retired in Memphis 🙌
RIP Kobe

[isaacngui]

really good content and video, i enjoyed it tons. respect to tony allen for being such a good defender

[niqbaaaa]

damn, look at how they used to guard kobe.

All defensive 1st team guy glued to him 24/7, and then 2-3 elite defenders (paul pierce, ray allen, KG etc) instantly collapsing on him the moment he finds any space.

Meanwhile nowadays 'GOAT' james literally has infinite space and people have to leave the paint and watch him lay up