We Love Ray Allen

by Jeff Clark on May 26, 2008 10:01 AM EDT in Boston Celtics News & Links

Some interesting thoughts on Ray Allen by Roland Lazenby:

So it’s not a hard stretch to understand why those Boston fans have been so unflinchingly supportive of Ray Allen. Yes, it is pro basketball. Yes, there is talk radio and the Internet and all the atmosphere for fans to call Allen a tired old, overpaid dog in the midst of this playoff shooting slump.
But these fans know basketball. They know that Ray Allen has spent his career playing well, playing with class, honoring the game. They have given him a Larry-like respect. And they were rewarded in Game 2 of the Eastern finals with his rediscovered aggressiveness and a 25-point outburst (sadly, it wasn’t enough to prevent a Celtic loss).
Allen, for his part, feels that respect and says that’s why he absolutely loves playing in the Garden in front of that crowd.
Whatever happens in the Eastern Conference finals, there’s definitely the sense that they’re all in it together. The Celtics made that clear Saturday night by going to Detroit and producing a convincing victory.

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I still love Ray. It would be foolish to cast him aside now. He is struggling with his shot but he still has a big part to play in these playoffs. I believe that.

by dobbs on May 26, 2008 10:00 AM EDT reply actions

I’m pulling for Ray big time. All class! Every game I see the shots go up and I want to will them into the basket. He is still making some plays for others even when his shot isn’t falling. Hoping for a sweet game from him tonight!

by celty86 on May 26, 2008 10:07 AM EDT reply actions

I love Ray Allen since the first time I saw him play, and I have no plans to change that.

by Casperian on May 26, 2008 10:17 AM EDT reply actions

That universal unflinching support certainly hasn’t manifested itself on the fan blogs. You can’t go to a blog without seeing multiple “Trade Ray” or “Ray is killing this team” threads. Luckily, we’ve been winning.

by Roy_Hobbs on May 26, 2008 10:49 AM EDT reply actions

I like the inference that the team won in Detroit – in part – because of fan support. Ray was an important part of the 82 game prelude and he is an essential part of this team’s post season, too. I hope that Ray and the rest of the team silence the car-parts crowd again tonight!

by ATX on May 26, 2008 10:54 AM EDT reply actions

i love ray all the way. he’s never hung his head through all the recent struggles, but has continued to work hard on the court, help his team however he can, and take shots when he gets them. it’s a testament to the team that they continue to win without his scoring, and a testament to him that he’s ready to play every game. keep it up ray, the shots will start to fall!

by reverb09 on May 26, 2008 11:25 AM EDT reply actions

Damn straight we love Ray!!

I have been very proud of the way the fans have acted towards Ray and the support they (we) have given him -—— and I feel as if he’s giving us the same respect.

by SShoreFan 2.0 on May 26, 2008 11:41 AM EDT reply actions

the shot’s not falling- maybe he’s hurt a bit, maybe he’s tired, maybe he’s old, maybe it’s mental-some of the above, all of the above, none of the above—he’s a player- he plays smart- opens the floor, puts out, plays d, passes, and keeps a steady keel. he is not killing this team.he is not dumb. he’s a pro.

by nazzbo on May 26, 2008 4:01 PM EDT reply actions