"Jesus," I exclaim. The name itself carries double meaning here, but we'll get to that later.
"Will someone guard him already?" My frustration is building.
"You can't leave that guy open. Anyone but him!"
Not that it would matter if the defender actually closed out on him. It wouldn't be enough to phase him anyhow. A few more minutes pass by, another blown defensive assignment, an expletive from my mouth. But that doesn't change the outcome. The net makes a sound. If its your guy, it's one as smooth as Sinatra. If it's not, well, it's nauseating.
It's June 7, 2010 and Ray Allen's evisceration of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Two of the 2010 playoffs isn't nearly finished. Allen is composing a masterpiece, like he has so many times before. This one will start out to the key of seven straight 3-pointers. It will end in a striking crescendo, 11-of-20 shooting, including 8-of-11 from beyond the three-point arc to set the all-time playoff finals record for most 3-pointers in a game. A total of 32 points on the way to a Celtics' 103-94 Game 2 victory, in a word, is perfect.
Jesus, there is that name again. A name whose story and symbolism are well known throughout the world. A perfect man dying for the sins of the imperfect men that surround him, a savior for the masses. It's fair to say it's a name that carries some weight and culpability. So on the eve of a game where the opportunity to break one of the NBA's most prestigious and oft-thought unattainable records -- most 3-pointers made all-time -- it's only fitting the man poised to break it carry the nickname of Jesus. The burden that comes with the name might not be the same, but one of its qualities -- perfection -- is.
Ray Allen's game is just that, perfect, or at least the closest thing to it on a basketball court. To watch it is to watch pure grace. The way he comes of a screen, planting his feet, catching the ball, and releasing it all in one motion, it's majestic, the product of countless hours of tedious work, repetition and correction. His form has long been considered by coaches, peers and admirers to be the gold standard, a gleaming example of excellence. Even the man poised to become his predecessor has gawked at Allen's game. But there is more to Ray Allen's game than his jumper.
Over a 15-year NBA career, Allen posted an impressive basketball resume. He was the fifth pick overall in the 1996 NBA draft, an All-Rookie second team selection, an Olympic gold medalist (2000), All-NBA third team selection and NBA 3-point shootout champion (2001), NBA Sportsmanship Award winner (2003), All-NBA second team selection (2005), 10-time NBA All-Star and NBA champion (2008).
Allen has made a career out of taking the correct shot, not pushing or forcing it, making sure to try and shoot his team into games, not out of them. He has made a career of rubbing off screens or coming off the dribble for a three. It's this style of play that garnered Allen numerous NBA shooting records, some of which won't be touched for years, if ever.
Regular Season
- Seasons leading the league in three-point field goals made: 3 (2001-'02, '02-'03, '05-'06)
- Consecutive seasons leading the league in three-point field goals made: 2 ('01-'02, '02-'03)
- Three-point field goals made in a season: 269 ('05-'06)
The previous record was held by Dennis Scott at 267.
- Three-point field goals made in a half: 8 (second half when with the Milwaukee Bucks vs. Charlotte Hornets, April 14, 2002)
Playoffs
- Three-point field goals made in a seven-game series: 28 (for Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 2001 Conference Finals)
- Three-point field goals made in a game: 9 (for Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers, June 1, 2001; tied when with Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls, April 30, 2009 (3 OT))
- Three-point field goal attempts in a game: 18 (for Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls, April 30, 2009 (3 OT))
Finals
- Three-point field goals made in a six-game series: 22 (for Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 2008 NBA Finals)
- Three-point field goals made in a game: 8 (for Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers, June 6, 2010)
- Three-point field goals made in a half: 7 (first half for Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers, June 6, 2010)
- Three-point field goals made in a quarter: 5 (second quarter for Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers, June 6, 2010)
- Three-point field goal attempts in a six-game series: 42 (for Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 2008 NBA Finals)
His career stats are a testimate to his consistency through training and practice. Practice which got him to fourth in the league all-time in free throw percentage; 11th all-time in 3-point shooting percentage at 39.8 percent, a number that could increase this year with Allen on a terror from beyond the arc, currently shooting 46 percent through Feb. 10. But most importantly, it has him poised to enter the record books by attaining the all-time 3-pointers made record tonight. It's a record hallowed by many, a record that represents the hard work, dedication and attention to detail that can't be attained through simple pure athletic talent.
When Allen enters the Garden tonight, he will enter it two 3-pointers away from passing Reggie Miller, whose current mark of 2,560 was long considered unattainable. To make the achievement more unique, Allen will be facing the Celtics longtime rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, a fitting opponent for such a momentous occasion. There is no doubt his teammates, fans, friends and family would love to see him break this record while in the midst of such a storied rivalry. Even if you're a Laker fan, you have to tip your hat to the man who would be king.
So tune in. Witness. There is history to be made tonight. Watch as The Garden applauds him, his effort, his tenacity in a standing ovation to one of its icons, its legends. Enjoy this perfect moment because chances are we may never see this record broken again. Once Allen breaks it, he will own it like no other has. He will have the opportunity to increase it. He will set the standard for all that come after him in this league, a standard of perfection. A standard that could only be attained by one man.
I'll watch tonight, just like the rest of the league, like the man who is about to watch his record be surpassed. I'll hold my breath just like everyone in attendance every time a 3-pointer is launched. And when the net finally makes that smooth sound for the second time tonight, there will only one word that leaves my lips, "Jesus."
I'll say it with a smile, happy I had a chance to witness.
