When two exceptional athletes like Tony Allen and Carmelo Anthony face-off, the intensity on the court reaches unparalleled heights. Allen, renowned for his defensive prowess, often found himself tasked with containing Anthony’s offensive firepower. Their matchups were a spectacle, showcasing a relentless battle between elite defense and unstoppable scoring.

They played a total of 18 games against each other, each winning 9 matches. Moreover, Anthony averaged a score of 24.4, while Allen had an average of 11.1. There was only a single time Anthony reached a score over 42, and there is an interesting story behind it. It appears that Paul Pierce had predicted Melo’s performance in advance.

In a video surfacing on social media, Allen recounted the memorable game against Anthony’s Denver Nuggets. He shared, “My career high was against Carmelo when he played for Denver.” Before the game, Pierce offered defensive advice, saying, “Yo, listen, T.A., this is what you gotta do.” However, Allen, eager to focus, dismissed Pierce’s input, responding, “Bro, go away bruh, don’t tell me—I don’t hear all that s—-, bro. I’m trying to focus, bro.”

Pierce, sensing Allen’s reluctance, warned, “All right, he’s going to give you 40.” Reflecting on the outcome, Allen admitted, “He ended up getting that 40.” Reacting to the story, NBA legend Kevin Garnett couldn’t stop himself from sharing the post on his Instagram Story. Garnett, wrote, “P university fosho”, showing his respect for Pierce’s wisdom which helped Allen during his rookie years.

What were the G-Unit runs that helped Tony Allen get such sharp defense skills

In the winter of 2007, the Boston Celtics’ practices were intense battlegrounds. Leon Powe and Kendrick Perkins clashed repeatedly in the paint, each unwilling to back down. These fierce sessions, known as “G-Unit runs,” were the brainchild of Paul Pierce.

Pierce initiated these runs to elevate the team’s competitiveness. He explained, “Every morning, I’d get to practice early and go one-on-one with all the wing players just to get us ready.” Recognizing the need for the big men to engage similarly, he organized intense one-on-one battles among them. The physicality and determination displayed during these sessions were unparalleled.

The arrival of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen brought a renewed sense of urgency to the team. Powe recalled, “KG made everyone step their game up. Everybody came early.” This heightened commitment transformed the Celtics’ culture, fostering unity and resilience.

Even Tony Allen previously recalled the sessions, “I’d be so ready, amped up to come play this man one-on-one, man.” Moreover, the former champion also added, “Ruth will tell you too, like, man, bruh got me better.”

These rigorous practices paid off. The Celtics clinched the 2008 NBA Championship, showcasing the strength and cohesion developed during their “G-Unit runs.” This approach not only honed their skills but also solidified their bond, proving instrumental in their championship journey.