Ex-Cavs Guard Shumpert Recalls Tony Allen's Advice for Slowing Down Warriors in 2016 Finals

Shumpert says Allen's defensive tips helped him and JR Smith contain Curry and Thompson in the comeback win.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:23am

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Former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert revealed that Memphis Grizzlies veteran Tony Allen provided him and teammate JR Smith with key defensive advice that helped them slow down Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson during the Cavaliers' historic comeback to win the 2016 NBA Finals. Shumpert said Allen emphasized the importance of not helping off the Splash Brothers and playing them physically, which ultimately contributed to the Cavaliers overcoming a 3-1 series deficit.

Why it matters

The 2016 NBA Finals between the Cavaliers and Warriors is considered one of the greatest championship series in league history, with Cleveland's comeback from a 3-1 deficit being a landmark achievement. Shumpert's account sheds new light on the strategic adjustments the Cavaliers made to contain the Warriors' high-powered offense, which featured two of the best shooters in NBA history.

The details

Shumpert said that he and Smith were having a "good little war" defending Curry and Thompson in the series. When Allen, a three-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection, called Shumpert to offer advice, the former Cavalier listened closely. Allen told Shumpert and Smith to avoid helping off the Splash Brothers and to get physical with them, even if it meant sacrificing rebounds. Shumpert said Allen's tips made "sense" and that he and Smith followed the advice, which contributed to the Cavaliers' ability to survive the Warriors' potent offense and complete the historic comeback.

  • The 2016 NBA Finals took place in June 2016.

The players

Iman Shumpert

A former guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers who was part of the team that won the 2016 NBA championship.

Tony Allen

A three-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection who played for the Memphis Grizzlies and provided defensive advice to Shumpert during the 2016 NBA Finals.

Stephen Curry

The star point guard of the Golden State Warriors, who was part of the team that lost to the Cavaliers in the 2016 NBA Finals.

Klay Thompson

The star shooting guard of the Golden State Warriors, who was part of the team that lost to the Cavaliers in the 2016 NBA Finals.

JR Smith

A guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers who, along with Shumpert, followed Tony Allen's defensive advice to slow down Curry and Thompson in the 2016 NBA Finals.

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What they’re saying

“M*********** called me immediately. 'Hey, bro, you got Klay right? Who you got, Klay or Steph? I know you got one of them.'”

— Iman Shumpert, Former Cavaliers Guard

“Ain't no help, and get used to it, you're about to have about three rebounds. For what? What do you want to get the rebound for? If they get the rebound, where is it going? And if you ain't there what's going to happen?”

— Tony Allen, Former Grizzlies Guard

The takeaway

Shumpert's account highlights the strategic adjustments and defensive intensity that allowed the underdog Cavaliers to overcome the star-studded Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals, one of the most memorable championship series in league history.