Tony Allen’s Defensive Advice Helped Cavaliers Contain Warriors in 2016 Finals

Nearly a decade after the 2016 NBA Finals, new stories continue to emerge about how the Cleveland Cavaliers completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in basketball history. Among the latest revelations is a behind-the-scenes detail shared by former Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert about unexpected advice that helped Cleveland slow down the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors entered that championship series as overwhelming favorites after setting an NBA record with 73 regular-season wins. With stars Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson leading a historically potent offense, Golden State quickly moved within reach of another title by taking a 3–1 series lead.

Cleveland, however, mounted a stunning comeback, winning three straight games—including a dramatic Game 7—to capture the franchise’s first NBA championship. The series remains the only time in Finals history that a team has recovered from a 3–1 deficit.

According to Shumpert, part of the Cavaliers’ defensive approach during the series was shaped by a conversation with former defensive standout Tony Allen, whose advice emphasized a disciplined strategy against the Warriors’ elite shooters.

1. A Surprising Phone Call Before the Finals Battle

Shumpert recently reflected on the moment during an appearance on the podcast “Out the Mud,” explaining how Allen reached out to him during the Finals to discuss defending Golden State’s perimeter stars. At the time, Shumpert and teammate JR Smith were tasked with containing Curry and Thompson, two of the most dangerous shooters in NBA history. The Cavaliers’ defensive game plan required relentless effort and careful positioning against a team known for its ball movement and long-range scoring. According to Shumpert, Allen immediately asked which of the Warriors’ guards he was assigned to defend. Once Shumpert confirmed his role, Allen delivered a clear message about how he believed the matchup should be handled. Allen’s advice was simple but direct: avoid leaving Curry or Thompson under any circumstances. The defensive specialist stressed that even brief lapses in coverage could allow the Warriors’ sharpshooters to create the kind of momentum that had defined their record-setting season.

2. A Defensive Philosophy Built on Discipline

Allen’s central recommendation revolved around one key principle—do not leave the shooters. Rather than collapsing into help defense or chasing rebounds, he urged Shumpert to remain locked onto his assignment. The reasoning behind that approach was rooted in Golden State’s offensive style. The Warriors thrived on quick ball movement and spacing, often punishing even the smallest defensive mistake with an open three-pointer. Allen explained that chasing rebounds or overhelping could be dangerous against a team like Golden State. If a defender left Curry or Thompson even briefly, the ball would likely find its way back to them for another scoring opportunity. Shumpert admitted that the advice initially sounded unconventional, especially the suggestion to accept having fewer rebounds as a tradeoff for tight perimeter defense. But the more he considered it, the more the logic made sense.

3. Cavaliers’ Defensive Effort in the Historic Comeback

While Curry and Thompson still produced strong offensive numbers during the series, Cleveland’s defensive intensity increased significantly during the final three games. Shumpert and Smith played a major role in applying constant pressure on the Warriors’ backcourt. Another key contributor to that defensive effort was Matthew Dellavedova, whose physical and energetic style helped disrupt Golden State’s offensive rhythm. The Cavaliers relied on multiple guards to share the responsibility of tracking the Warriors’ perimeter threats. The collective effort ultimately helped Cleveland swing the momentum of the series. By tightening its defense and limiting open three-point opportunities, the Cavaliers forced Golden State into more contested shots during critical stretches. Allen himself was well acquainted with the challenge of defending the Warriors’ star guards. During his time with the Memphis Grizzlies, he frequently matched up against Curry and Thompson in high-intensity regular-season and playoff battles.