Time to Dust off the Old Ray Allen

A huge game from Ray Allen tonight would be . . . huge.

I've talked about the December 30th game at Staples almost as much as I have talked about Bill Walton (my favorite topic to discuss). But one point I've overlooked about that game was Ray Allen's role in nailing the coffin shut.

The fourth quarter started with three field goals by Ray Allen. Kobe Bryant attempted to answer Allen's last field goal but missed, and then watched Allen grab the defensive rebound to start a fast break in the other direction. Score? 89-68, Celtics

Ray kept the pedal to the metal. After he drove to the hoop, got fouled, and nailed two free throws to make it 103-84, the Lakers, who had been on a roll heading into the Celtics game and would go on another roll after the Celtics game, got frustrated.

Then they got mad.

Lamar "the thug" Odom decided to take out his angst by tackling Allen and picking up a flagrant foul.

Jesus only scored 19 points on the day, but, oh, those 19 points did a number on the Ls.

In game 1 of the 2008 Finals, Ray had 19 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block, and 1 assist, a very Pippenesque performance. We know that Ray has been subordinating his ego for most of this year. But now with Pierce at less than full strength, it might be time to dust off the old Ray Allen.

I will be curious to see if the Cs make a point of going to Jesus early and often. Paul Pierce in a supporting role can still be very deadly.