Rob Paterson looks at Ray Allen's hot streak.
If it seems as if the Boston Celtics can't lose right now, it's because Ray Allen can't miss.
During Boston's current eight-game winning streak, Allen has been a model of ruthless offensive efficiency. Beginning with a 36-point performance in a win against Toronto on Jan. 11, Allen has averaged 20.9 points while shooting .656 from the field, including a sizzling 27-for-41 from three-point range.
The streaking Celtics, who at 37-9 have the same record through 46 games as last season, smartly have stuck with Allen's hot hand. "It looks like they're running more stuff for Ray," a scout said.
While they haven't installed new plays for Allen, the Celtics seem to be emphasizing Allen's versatility when he gets the ball.
"They're not stashing him in the corner to make threes," the scout said. "He can catch and shoot so well. He's making his threes, but he's also putting the ball on the floor.
"It takes a lot of pressure on offense off Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett."