Happy Birthday, Ray Allen! Check Out His 5 Most Clutch Moments

Being a great shooter is an art form. Anybody can pick up a ball and propel it towards a hoop, but there have only been a select few players that time and time again could hit a shot in the big moments when their teams needed them to most. Players like Larry Bird and Reggie Miller did it before him and Stephen Curry could eventually close in on his newly minted records, yet Ray Allen is the greatest shooter the NBA’s ever seen.

Allen has been the man to seal victory for his teams numerous times. Pressure is said to make diamonds and Allen has sure shown to be just that. When it comes to describing Ray-Ray’s demeanor at the end of games, the words of Mr. Shawn Corey Carter say it best, “the pressure’s on, but guess who ain’t gonna crack.” To celebrate him turning 38 today, we give you a look at five shots and end of game performances that Jesus Shuttlesworth will always be remembered for.

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Game-winner/eight three-pointers vs. Suns
In the 2005-06 season, Ray Allen was still stuck in the upper Northwest trying to carry a faltering Seattle Sonics team. Though the team would only win 35 games, Allen put on a memorable performance against back-to-back MVP recipient Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns, who would finish first in the West that year. Allen would drop 42 points and net eight three-pointers (while on the road). With 2.5 seconds left in double OT, Allen caught the inbounds pass near midcourt, took one dribble in and swished a 27-footer for the win. (And as a bonus, enjoy the old school Ray Allen highlights, where he shows off much more than his spot-up shooting abilities.)

Game-clinching shot vs. Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of 2008 NBA Finals
The 2007-08 season brought us the debut of the Boston Celtics’ Big 3. When Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett came to Boston to play alongside Paul Pierce, great expectations were placed upon them immediately. All they did to respond was defeat the Los Angeles Lakers to bring home the Celtics’ 17th NBA championship. However, if it weren’t for an almost improbable comeback in Game 4 that might not have happened. One of the key parts of that win was Ray Allen. With the Celtics up 94-91 and 27 seconds left to play, Allen found himself isolated against Sasha Vujacic at the top of the key. After a few dribbles and a hesitation move, Allen drove right past Vujacic and finger rolled the game out of reach for the Lakers.

Game-winning 4-Point Play vs. Denver Nuggets
Last season was Allen’s first season with the Miami Heat and he did not disappoint at all. With players like LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade on the court with him, defenses can’t key in on Ray-Ray as much as they did in the past. The result: many situations where he would find himself more open than he’s ever been in his entire basketball career. This was the case during a November matchup with the Denver Nuggets. With 14 seconds left, the ball found its way into Allen’s hand in the corner after a King James drive and in an attempt to recover to Allen, Corey Brewer fouled him as his three attempt splashed through the net. Allen then coolly and calmly walked to the line and sank the free throw to complete the four-point play.

Game-winner vs. Chicago Bulls in 2009 Playoffs
The Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls first round meeting in the 2009 NBA Playoffs was one for the ages. With KG out nursing an injured knee and the Celtics down 0-1 in the series, Allen stepped up to the plate to propel Boston to a critical victory. Ray would drop 30 points and shoot 60 percent from behind the arc. With 12.3 seconds left, Rajon Rondo caught the ball at the top of the key, Allen went down and set a screen for Paul Pierce and then cut back off a back screen from Glen Davis. He spotted up as Joakim Noah rushed to close out. Allen rose up and sunk a three that will forever live on in Celtics history.

Game-tying three vs. San Antonio Spurs in Game 6 of 2012 NBA Finals
Where would the Heat be without Jesus Shuttlesworth? The San Antonio Spurs seemed to have Game 6 wrapped up… to the point where they were beginning to place the yellow tape around the court to block off fans. However, Allen had other ideas. After being down by five points with only 28 seconds left, Miami had cut the lead to three and had the ball in their possession. LeBron would take a three with 10.6 seconds left that bounced off the rim and was snatched out of the air by Bosh. Allen was a few steps away from Bosh and once he saw Bosh had secured the ball, he instantly began to backpedal toward the three-point line. As Allen received the pass he dragged both of his feet behind the arc and went up slightly off balance as Tony Parker sat basically in his lap. Allen swished it like it was practice, saving the Heat’s season.

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