When the Celtics offense is REALLY humming, Ray Allen is really scoring. In the Celtics funk, Ray was ice cold. In the past 5 games, he's been really hot. And I'm not sure if anyone else noticed, but the past 5 games have also involved a lot more 2-point shots than he usually takes.
Ray's still taking his 3's, but he's doing a great job of penetrating and getting himself going with 10-15 footers. Early in games, he's passing up the 3's and driving past defenders. He's 11-17 from inside the free-throw line, and 18-27 inside the 3 point line over the past 5 games. And when he does this early, he's setting his defender up to open up space for 3's later in the game.
Ray is seen as a pure shooter, but he still has the ability to get past a defender who is overplaying the jumper. He's getting the feel early and scoring in bunches. Then when the defender has to respect the drive, he gets just enough space to get a clean look from 3. It's a little adjustment in Ray's game that has allowed him, and the Celtics, to get hot again.
Examiner: Is that all you got? | Herald: Champs post 2nd straight rout | Frank discussion about Scalabrine | Big 3 remain resolute | Wal-tah still bleeding green | Globe: Ray Allen still taking steps | Jersey swamped | No break in campaign | Camerato: The Scalabrine streak | Souza: First rough patch is over | T&G: Rondo goes to head of Celtics class | ESPN: Marbury ready to return $1 mil | NJ.com: How will Devin Harris handle benching | Magic finish perfect road trip
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