As the Memphis Grizzlies approached the critical stage of Wednesday's series closeout opportunity against the Portland Trail Blazers, the sources of motivation and inspiration were swirling rapidly throughout FedEx Forum -- sort of like those "We Don't Bluff" rally towels fans were waving.
Yet Allen's mind was 2,252 miles away.
After blowing a 10-point lead midway through the fourth quarter to squander their chance to sweep in a Game 4 loss Monday in Portland, the Grizzlies were facing the possibility of making a return trip just hours later if they didn't finish off the Blazers Wednesday night.
"All I was thinking about during the game was [the possibility of] that five-hour flight," Allen said of what he believed was the ultimate gut-check moment in the game. "And that was the sense of urgency."
Talk to five different Grizzlies players and you'll get a different answer from each one about the factor that finally pushed Memphis past Portland 99-93 to secure a 4-1 series win and a shot at top-seeded Golden State in a second-round matchup that starts Sunday. Another cross-country flight remains on the itinerary for the Grizzlies, but they bought themselves a couple days of rest before their next trek out West.
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