The Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder may not have been embroiled in heated contention recently, but their rivalry in the 2010s remains one of the NBA's most compelling. Tony Allen, a legend from the Grizzlies' Grit'N'Grind era and an NBA champion, offered his perspective on this fierce competition during a recent podcast appearance.

Tony Allen Reflects on the Rivalry

"We always considered it a rivalry," Tony Allen stated. "We always looked at them as they was in our way, we was in their way... I always looked at it like, 'Yo, that’s the team to beat.' And sure enough, they was. Those young superstars in Westbrook and Durant, you’ve seen what they’ve become over the years. I had huge respect for them always... I’ll never forget those battles. I respect them, and we definitely had some clashes."

Clashes on the Court: A Historical Recap

The Grizzlies and the Thunder squared off in the playoffs in 2011, 2013, and 2014. Each series was a dramatic showdown. In 2011, the Thunder narrowly edged out the Grizzlies with a 4-3 win. The Grizzlies got their revenge in 2013, triumphing 4-1. Another nail-biting 4-3 loss for Memphis followed in 2014. Despite dropping two out of the three series, the Grizzlies actually led the overall playoff game wins 10-9.

The Legacy Lives On

Although both teams have since undergone significant changes, with the Grit'N'Grind Grizzlies now a thing of the past, the impact of this rivalry still lingers. What makes this story truly remarkable is the fact that Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook continue to play at an exceptionally high level today, showcasing their enduring talent and resilience.

The memories of these epic contests have etched an indelible mark on the history of the NBA. Fans and players alike reminisce about the intensity and respect that defined this era. As we look back, it’s clear that this rivalry was not just about winning games; it was about forging legends.

Editor: Yana Davydiuk