Grizzlies teammate nearly laughed at Allen's flop, coach defends flagrant before guard
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Memphis Grizzlies' Tony Allen holds his head after he was fouled by San Antonio Spurs' Manu Ginobili during the second half in Game 2 of a Western Conference Finals NBA basketball playoff series, Tuesday, May 21, 2013, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (The Associated Press)
The Grizzlies want to make sure everyone know that just because Tony Allen was fined $5,000 for flopping by the NBA, doesn't mean that the key foul he drew in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals wasn't a flagrant.
The NBA fined Allen on Friday after the Grizzlies had practiced.
Allen did not talk to reporters after Saturday's shootaround for Game 3 against the Spurs.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}But Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said whether Allen hit his head or not had nothing to do with the flagrant foul. Allen was grabbed out of the air by Spurs guard Manu Ginobili on a fast-break drive to the basket. The call was reviewed and upheld by officials.
Teammate Mike Conley says he almost wanted to laugh at Allen's reaction but was too tired.