Tony Allen’s Four-Point-Flop Flagrant Helps Get Memphis To OT

Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals seemed to be over at the start of the fourth quarter. It wasn't quite Miami-in-the-opening-round over, but the experienced San Antonio Spurs rode a comfortable 12-point lead into the fourth quarter and had things on virtual cruise control until a few minutes remained in the game. Plus, Memphis had been missing shots all night, from put-backs to open jumpers. It looked like a simple case of home court advantage playing out. 

That's when Memphis made their move. Their always strong defense stayed the course and when the Spurs took their foot slightly off the gas they clamped down and forced turnovers. A 15-2 Grizzlies run ensued, as the Spurs made one field goal in the final eight minutes to force overtime, thanks in large part to Tony Allen's four-point play with under a minute remaining. On a breakaway, Allen was fouled by the flop-king Manu Ginobili, and upon hitting the deck hard decided to writhe around in pain as if he hit his head. He didn't, but his apparent agony may have been enough to turn the foul into a flagrant to give Memphis another possession. After Allen made both shots, Mike Conley hit the Spurs with a nasty floater with his off-hand to tie the game. 

Their luck didn't continue in overtime and the Spurs were able to take back control and squeeze out a 93-89 victory for a 2-0 series lead. The good news for Memphis is that they know they can hang with San Antonio, which didn't appear to be the case midway through the fourth. Game 3 is in Memphis on Saturday. 

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