Ray Allen Delivers to Lift Ageless Celtics into Usual Form

It was precisely the way to silence the critics after deriding and ridiculing the Boston Three Party, put aside all the whispers that the Boston Celtics are too old and undermined and vindicate to the world that they are still superior in the Eastern Conference, even if the Miami Heat are stronger, the Orlando Magic are mightier and the Bulls are defensive-driven.


He couldn't miss in desperation, not to mention that he claims to be the best shooter in existence. Long after the Celtics calmed down and reduced nerves in the most dazzling ending for a sentimental night on Causeway Street, a night when they cheered outside of the TD Garden in Boston, Ray Allen capped an 87-85 win in Game 1 of the first round in the playoffs by hitting a game-winning three-point shot with 12 seconds left.

If he's still considered the sharpest shooter in the NBA, he surely advertised it when the stakes were greater than ever before and while the raucous crowd in the stands witnessed a miraculous comeback that capped a thrilling outcome. Whether the Celtics are doomed because of the stiff competitiveness and difficult task ahead, by now, Kevin Garnett believes "ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!!" This was for all the people who've underestimated and ignored Allen, the NBA's career three-point leader all-time, every time he attempts a lengthy shot from beyond the arc to bury a three.

Without him, the Celtics wouldn't have survived what was almost a near-casualty by nearly dropping the decisive game of the series against the Knicks. If so, the Celtics would've been derided as the oldest and exhausted franchise in the NBA --described as a sluggish, weak-minded franchise with nothing left in the tank. Seems there is plenty left in the tank, without the team physicians needing to beckon for a wheelchair to escort an injured player to the locker room because of wobbly or ailing knees.

However, with enough evidence in so many ways, Allen never panicked and signaled for the ball as time dwindled, pleading for the ball to transcend in a striking portent. The amazing spectacle happened all so inexplicably when the Celtics rallied back by Allen's clutch performance that sealed the deal. This was Allen telling the critics to hush, on a night he schooled the Knicks, alarmed and sent the crowd into an intense celebration as if the Celtics had raised another banner into the rafters. When the buzzer sounded in favor of the Celtics, jubilating and dancing on the floor together thrilled, Allen spiked the ball and received prolonged hugs from his harmonized teammates.

Take that world.

It certainly was an uninspired loss for the Knicks, particularly once Carmelo Anthony bricked a shot on the last chance to win it for New York. Along with all the scintillating plays in the first half, such as a perfectly executed alley-ooped that Garnett threw down on a hurling inbounds pass from Rajon Rondo or relief on a timely offensive foul on Anthony, the Celtics finally prevailed in the second half.

The calendar reads April, a month when Boston dismiss frailties to find its swagger and plays with an earnest body language, dripping sweat from their moist foreheads, breathing rapidly with signs of fatigue. And with greater weaknesses for the Knicks, aside from having two bona fide superstars to form one of the prolific tandems in the NBA, is their inexperience, youth and lack of size advantage. The Celtics, the defending Eastern Conference champions, are a team that never vanish in the final seconds and never disappear until it is over.

By his own explanation, he rescued the Celtics and looked very explosive, ready to attack the rim and deliver threes. It's too often, such as on this night when he salvaged a victory for the Celtics, that he hits his proverbial three-pointer and delights Boston fans. It's too often, nailing compelling jump shots from downtown and coming out on top as a hero in critical situations, that he's been stifled in fulfilling his role as an impacted megastar but also a marksman in the art of shooting.

The much-publicized shot came on a Sunday night, after the Celtics were muffled in deepening their style of play and having a foundation to produce on an incremental level -- bolstered the Celtics and once again rejuvenated the franchise that embodies precedence and prestige. The unexpected lift came from the more potent, talented sharpshooter Allen, fueled by a wave of momentum and, sometimes, manages to greatly cultivate certainty and faith that revokes the tension and turbulence.


Throughout his superb career, known as a three-point specialist, he has expanded the Celtics' domino effect with his mental capacity and emotions without the risk of early playoff collapses, crazed anxiety or mental deficiencies in hitting shots that could create countless meltdowns for Boston. As it seems, he has been a part of limitless playoff moments -- many of those highlighted moments coming from behind the arc -- Allen puts aside obstacles the Celtics once endured and leads Boston past the Knicks, which they quickly returned to normalcy and became a dynamic force in the postseason.

In a hurried reversal, he has built a reputation, heightening his proficiency in stepping behind the arc, quickly releasing and hitting the three, a trend he has culturally followed honestly for years in the NBA. This trend is, in principle, a classic point in time for Allen, another highlight reel in the near future and it ended in an astronomical fashion. Much like Allen in general, he'll be recognized as the star player in the aftermath of dropping in the biggest shot of the game.

And indeed he was inside the Celtics family room, where Allen stood and waited outside, greeted by many families and friends and gladly expressed gratitude for the kindhearted acknowledgement. And of all his efforts on behalf of the Celtics, he led Boston with 24 points and his veteran teammate Paul Pierce poured in 18 and aggressively hindered, bullied and pestered Anthony, particularly on his missed three-pointer as time expired to end regulation.

He rarely misses out on a brilliant opportunity in the final seconds and routinely knocks in a bucket to shift the dynamics of the game, a clutch performer with no conscience mainly because Allen is combative, experienced and poised down the stretch after being a hero in crucial moments plenty of times before. The longer the Knicks continue to play in this series, the longer the masses will talk and ponder about New York missing a great opportunity when the Bockers led for most of the second half and maintained an 85-82 advantage in the final minute.

But now, the Knicks are engulfed in a minor controversy for dropping near-convincing steal in Game 1 of the first round, for stumbling mightily in the second half and for giving the game to the Celtics in a late comeback, overwhelmed with corybantic circumstances and seen as a team that deteriorated and never had an answer for Boston's experience, tenaciousness and toughness.

There is, nonetheless, life in Beantown even without Shaquille O'Neal in the lineup or without the defensive force Kendrick Perkins, a muscular and potent center with strength and size for successively grabbing rebounds and clogging the middle courtesy of his physique and fierce presence in the paint. Suddenly, the Celtics awakened with much firepower and urgency. The events in Boston suddenly, with a basketball franchise surrounded traditionally by plenty of mystique and noteworthy history by owning 17 championships more than any organization in the NBA -- rehabilitating from a downfall when apparently the shamrocks were stolen and the leprechaun was kidnapped -- was Allen slamming the ball onto the hardwood and Garnett viciously grabbing the microphone and screaming, "BEANTOWN!!"

He didn't hesitate to launch a prayer that eventually turned into the game-winner, even vividly after Game 1 almost was an absolute downer for the Celtics, sleeping on the emergence of a genuine tandem in the NBA which has produced a ripple-effect in New York and reinstalled ascendancy and life for the Knicks. For the Knicks, considering that New York is back in playoff contention but still aren't championship-caliber, everything went extremely wrong in the second half and Anthony looked erratic in his Knicks postseason debut, finishing an awful 5 for 18 in shooting and 1 for 11 after halftime to settle for 15 points.

The night for Anthony, irritated over his lack of consistency from the look on his disconcerted face, was a testament to disadvantages, undesirable and reckless diagrams for plays late with the lack of thoughtful minds in prudent coaching. Mike D'Antoni, a mentor for many of his players as the Knicks head coach, was definitely out coached by Doc Rivers, Celtics head coach who is solid in making adjustments and designing a practical layout that instilled certitude and created stupendous plays.

Even if Amar'e Stoudemire delivered efficiently and proved to be the primary star of the Knicks, scoring 28 points and collecting 11 rebounds, the Celtics are a heavy task. This was a postseason game in the series where the Knicks unraveled defensively, softened rapidly in the end and weakened when Garnett tripped Toney Douglas, allowing Allen to find space and nail the game-winning three-point shot. This season, for the Celtics, it was unpredictable and questionable, and now, it's presumably feasible that Boston can advance out of the East if the big three play with tenacity and dominates physically.

Their rivals, the Knicks, whined afterwards disgusted with the undone calls by officials. With Allen carrying the Celtics and Garnett ratifying his inspirational leadership with an emphatic dunk in a descent performance to arouse curiosity -- from a dramatic dunk to an amusing three-pointer -- the Celtics were robust and can persist in a grueling, tiring series against a franchise of youth and raw talent.

Although the Celtics are aging, in stiffer playoffs where the competitiveness has risen to the highest level while Boston can still play effectively and out duel the opposing teams based on their experience and finesse, they still lulled the doubters of depreciating the Celtics strength, vigor and readiness to contend. The Celtics, which prepares mentally and physically to fight in the playoffs surviving in the end because of its prowess and fitness, are rightly so competitors.

It is fair to postulate, of all teams, that Boston is the team to beat in the East, although Miami assembled the superteam, an NBA all-time trio with Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh, although the Orlando Magic are delivering touches to Dwight Howard frequently and although the Bulls are the league-leading team in defense with an MVP candidate in arguably the most well-rounded point guard Derrick Rose.

The Celtics, along with Allen as their game-changing performer, knows this won't be an easy series and somehow handled skepticism that creeped in the players' minds following the transformation within the roster this season. This after losing Perkins in one of the dumbest trades by the Celtics, who were sluggish and outplayed against Chicago and Miami, inadequate in competing with the growth by a pair of franchises in the equalized Eastern Conference. In all, it was an ideal ending for the Celtics as the Knicks blew a monumental opportunity.

In all, the Celtics are ageless.

Boston Celtics Can't Blow This One, Need a Colossal Rebound From Rajon Rondo

My thoughts, upon watching an emerging point guard blossom and glow on basketball’s biggest stage, is that Rajon Rondo proved to the critics that much of the illusive chronicles heard about his inconsistent shooting and useless semblance was misguided and inaccurate.

Without allowing him a moment to breathe and alleviate the burdens and pressure in a premature transition to the pros, he announced that he’d forgo his sophomore season at Kentucky for an early upstart in the NBA.

You might recall critics, following his brief collegiate career, denouncing and blasting Rondo, who was viewed as a substandard prospect.

You might recall critics assuming that he was an inefficient shooter and blamed for the blemishes and failures at Kentucky, a demanding and elite program in collegiate sports.

There were points, such as four years ago, when the emerging point guard and floor general wasn’t as imperative in the Boston Celtics offense, but now he’s the epicenter to their burgeoning offense.

At the beginning of the season, the chatter was that the Celtics were much too old and aging to match the intensity level of younger and quicker opponents.

Throughout his young career, Rondo has become the centerpiece of thriving talent and is now managing the leadership role. The Celtics supporters even know he’s a mellowed and versatile floor general, praising him greatly for his improvement and strength on an aging and passive roster.

In regards to his explosiveness and savvy delivery by creating scoring opportunities or pushing the ball through the lane with his exemplary ball-handling skills, he’s one of the best point guards in the league and productive at dictating the tone of the game.

A year ago, general manager Danny Ainge ripped Rondo during an interview, and lashed out by throwing a tirade on a local radio station in Boston, bashing him as a selfish and reluctant player.

Early on, his elusive instability was considered as a wasteful draft pick with the No. 21 overall selection for his lack of maturity and unwillingness. His rebellious demeanor almost had worn out on the Celtics, who were attempting to trade Rondo at one point for irritating the front office and coaching staff, including head coach Doc Rivers.

But since he has improved and really is instrumental to their offensive strategies, he'll be Boston’s franchise guard for many years. He’s ultimately braced for a driven mindset to disrupt opponents by pressuring the ball and spreading it around to accumulate assists.

With this season alone, he’s the difference in the Celtics restoration, and ballooned as a resilient and high-profile guard, transforming an unpredictable season into a probable Finals run.

Each night, he normally presents a stronger effort and brings the intensity in every game, but in a 91-84 Game Three loss the Celtics trail in the NBA Finals 2-1, desperately needing a win in Game Four to even a renewed rivalry.

If Boston wishes to return as a championship-caliber contender, Rondo must rebound from an inferior performance and reemerged as a superstar—without blowing a defensive assignment, like the one he gaffed at when Derek Fisher dribbled down the floor quickly for an uncontested layup and a three-point play after he was fouled.

The Celtics, on the other hand, cannot win the series without resurgence by Rondo, who had 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in a spectacular fourth-quarter masterpiece in Game Two Sunday night at Staples Center. If Rondo is scoring and averaging triple-doubles, then the chances of the Lakers winning diminishes and may even have the tendency of unraveling a hard-driven core, including the game’s greatest closer, Kobe Bryant.


And before his frigid night, he was clearly a vital weapon and the primary ingredient in the Celtics' lone win. In these playoffs, he precisely shifted the complexion and now is discussed as a top-tier guard by executing and putting in extra time to improve his abysmal jump shot—a part of his game that has debilitated his potential to drill the outside shot or mid-range jumper.

What’s incredible about Rondo is that he can change his speed, which allows him to penetrate and toss bounce passes off the dribble. Even more useful is his vision and knowledge to find an open teammate, such as Ray Allen on the baseline or Paul Pierce beyond the perimeter.

He, indeed, has all the components, but the question remains whether he can apply it or not. His sudden breakout is a symbol of the Celtics, a signature concept as to why Boston has advanced to the NBA Finals.

All of us are glancing at an elite point guard. All of us are gazing at Rondo. All of us know he’s due for a colossal showpiece. Why not in Game Four when it's all on the line?

Boston Celtics Have Ideal Weapons to Relive Green Pride: Boston Unbeatable?

These days, the masses gossip about LeBron James’ future, whether he’ll re-sign with Cleveland or depart emotionally to Chicago or even New York or wherever he decides to land come July 1, we are forced to neglect the undervalued franchise of the Eastern Conference.

It’s fascinating that basketball lords deems the Boston Celtics as an aging, old, unhealthy and washed-up franchise, without enough in the tank to win its second championship in three seasons and deepen mystique, a tradition symbolizing the Celtics winningest brand for nearly 50 years.

Based on shakiness and health issues in the regular season, the Celtics, once discredited as the oldest and most broken-down team both mentally and physically in the NBA, withstood anguish and despair between Kevin Garnett’s wobbly knees and Paul Pierce strained foot.

For that matter, any team would be doubted when it gradually begins to recede and age, lacking physical toughness and starts off sluggish nightly.

But this is not the case for the reviving Celtics, simply exposing the Orlando Magic weaknesses with a physical defense that has been unstoppable in the postseason.

All praise to the Celtics, an older team with a wise state of mind, showcasing its wisdom and experience in the Eastern Conference Finals to prove a dominant force. And we underestimated Boston.

It truly was an understatement to eclipse a tradition of shamrocks and victory cigars, a team that owned the limelight in the ‘80s era when Larry Bird anchored an irresistible dynasty.

We all know this team is old and sometimes debilitated with injuries, but coveted in adding an NBA-leading 18 banners in the rafters and smoke victory cigars, a ritual fulfilled when the Celtics rejoices after an accomplished conquest.

This, of course, is not the fully robust team we witnessed two years ago win on the grandest stage, but a team that knows how to survive and outlast a possible meltdown.

More than ever, the Celtics have neutralized every opponent it has faced in the postseason, bringing a similar counterattack to frustrate and pester Dwight Howard, the Magic’s seven-foot center who isn’t Kryptonite in a series he’s held to very little productivity.

Then, as usual, he cries and whines over cheap fouls handed to him, irritable of the refs' whistles sounding to charge the big man with a foul.

At 24, he lacks maturity and hasn’t fully developed into an elite center, unable to stay out of foul trouble and overpower the middle with his wingspan and height advantage.

But the Celtics were supposed to be too old to take away his energy and self-composure in a series much physicality wasn’t expected from the senior citizens of the postseason.

Even if this seems like a stunner, it really isn’t staggering, considering the Celtics' monstrous defense, which is emphasized by coach Doc Rivers, who never sits down and shouts from the sideline for his team to tighten up defensively.


As it appears, the overmatched Celtics are favored to win an unchallenged series with a 2-0 commanding lead in the Eastern Conference Finals and forced the Magic to lose home-court advantage in a 95-92 win, stunning all Orlando fans in attendance.

Now, in the series, the Celtics won their fourth straight postseason road game, and never lost a playoff series after advancing to a 2-0 lead. So fortunately, history is on their sides, traveling home to try and close out the series in a sweep on their home floor.

It’s possible to believe the Celtics won’t force a six game or allow the Magic to take it back home for a chance to regain momentum and slowly maneuver its way back in the series, unless the NBA seniors' legs give out and suddenly becomes fallen stars in a disastrous collapse.

But recently, the Celtics are dynamic in bombarding and clogging the inside by adding pressure on Howard. Despite the defenders he has drawn, he had 30 points on just 13 shots from the floor. He was even solid from the charity strike, and converted on 12 of his 17 free throws.

Without a doubt, he could have finished the night with a double-double, but the Celtics sent the center to the line instead of allowing him to grab an offensive rebound. In a game, he had eight rebounds and made the C’s deliberate before sending him to the line.

Nonetheless, the Celtics still managed to escape Orlando with two wins and leads the series, capable of returning to the NBA Finals and convincing the world that they’ll be crowned the champions in basketball, a familiar achievement for the Celtics.

It has become an alarming team, finally reviving and having all the instrumental pieces every team needs to win, such as defense, willpower, balance and firepower, good enough to slow down the invincible Magic.

Simply, the Magic have the younger and faster team, but cannot endure the physical balance of the well-experienced and well-rounded Celtics.

The difference clearly in the series and postseason is the strong effort of Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, a pair of star players known as the Big Three alongside Garnett. In such a turnaround at a crucial point of the season, Pierce had 22 points in the Game Two, getting off to a fast start with 22 points in the first half.

He’s deeply reestablishing into a primary star, dating back to the days he carried the team with a chip on his shoulder as a lone superstar. And normally when he compiles huge numbers on the scoreboard, it results in a win.


But nowadays, the Celtics survives on the flourishing of Rajon Rondo, a floor general and versatile point guard with the ability to score and make pocket passes to teammates, credited for an assist on designing well-executed play inside.

He’s agile and explosive, respectively, becoming the top scorer and second leader behind Garnett. Before he even arrived at the pro level, he was criticized for his porous shooting and was doubted after departing his collegiate career prematurely, and wasn’t fully developed.

He silenced all skeptics by becoming a top-notch player and true point guard. There he was again on a night when his presence made it easier for the Celtics. He scored 25 points, had eight assists and five rebounds, all while dominating the second half and drove Boston to an insurance win.

In this particular game, Garnett had 10 points and Ray Allen posted four points in 39 minutes.

The Celtics, meanwhile, still managed to survive and beat the Magic to move inches closer to the NBA Finals for a potential rematch against the Los Angeles Lakers, archenemies who dismantled the Phoenix Suns in Game One of the Western Conference Finals.

In many ways, Orlando’s coach Stan Van Gundy understands it takes a team effort, but also knows his team is struggling to make adjustments, suddenly seeing his team lose twice at home in the quarterfinals to the Celtics, the same team the Magic knocked off a year ago.

Even the fans are frustrated, provoking an altercation with officials during games. Joe DeRosa was harassed by fans before leaving the court at halftime and snapped during the game.

He tossed the ball uncharacteristically across the scorer’s table at a petulant fan, who tossed it back and was thrown out of the game.

That says a lot about the series, a best-of-seven series suddenly unraveling for the Magic, who believed getting back to the NBA Finals was likely, but are faced with trouble having to capture a win on Boston’s home floor to stay alive.

For now, the Celtics are the best team in the playoffs, even though it’s the oldest team standing on wobbly knees and ailing feet, but have just enough to slow down any team crossing its path.