It has been a long time coming, but that doesn't mean Ray Allen finally beating Reggie Miller's three-point record will be anti-climactic.
Even if it were written by a Hollywood screenwriter, it couldn't be a better setting. Allen is likely to pass Miller's (who will be on commentary) record, surrounded by a home crowd, in a game against the LA Lakers—the Celtics' greatest franchise historic rival and the current Celtics' greatest target.
Miller has 2,560 three-point field goals, and all Allen has to do is score one more to equal it and two more to pass it. The two still stand in a class of their own, the third three-point scoring leader is, surprisingly, Jason Kidd with 1,752 made.
With Allen's hand still as golden as always, it is possible he will be 1,000 ahead of Kidd by the time he retires.
Allen is much loved among NBA circles, and is considered to be the nice guy of the Boston big three, given Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett's propensity for trash-talk. His mother will no doubt be at the sidelines, as she is at every Celtics home game, sporting Allen's number.
It has been a long and gruelling journey for Allen, who credits his slight case of obsessive compulsive disorder for his meticulous shooting. He considers it an insult when people claim to be jealous of his God-given talent—for Allen it is all about the hard work.
Allen practices his shot everyday, so when it looks like he is hitting an impossible three-pointer, it is likely one he has already attempted several hundred times. His training, endurance and commitment are only rivalled by Kobe Bryant and his passionate teammate Kevin Garnett.
If Rondo looks up to Ray Allen, like he says he does, then it might be time to hit the practice court and practice his jump shot.
It is now inevitable, barring an act of God, that Allen will become the all-time leader for three-pointers made in the NBA. It couldn't happen to a guy who deserves it more.
Laura Prepon Ashley Scott Michelle Behennah Julie Benz Saira Mohan
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