Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers concerned over Ray Allen injury – NBA Update
Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers has conceded that Ray Allen’s injury is affecting his game adversely and is a growing concern for the team. Boston are down 1 – 0 in their Eastern Conference Finals matchup with the Miami Heat and Allen’s struggles are
not helping one bit.
Boston have suffered a lot at the hands of injuries this shortened NBA season with a number of important players already sidelined until the beginning of the 2012 – 2013 campaign. Add to it the fact that the veterans on Boston’s roster have had continued
injury concerns and you have a pretty brittle team indeed.
Head coach Doc Rivers latest concern is the health and performance of Ray Allen. The veteran guard, one of the very best shooters in NBA history, is visibly off his game and in pain. The Celtics have considered giving Allen a game off to heal his wounds
but the veteran has pleaded to stay on court.
Rivers doesn’t know how long he can continue and noted that the game is already suffering, with Allen losing his mobility and balance due to the ankle injury.
"I don't think he has his balance. You could see it on his [missed] free throws, or he's falling forward or kicking his leg out on every shot. When you watch Ray, he's up and down -- if you drew a square box, usually Ray always lands in the box. Right now,
he's all over the place -- leaning, going sideways, falling forward. It's somewhat of a balance issue, but it's all created by the [ankle] issue."
To win against the Miami Heat the Celtics need everyone out on the court and battling hard. Ray knows this which is the reason behind his insistence to play through the pain. The defiant guard though does concede that the ankle has gotten worse.
"The last three or four days have been pretty painful." He revealed.
Ray has taken care of his body over the years and is used to a little bruise here and there. This time though he says it’s different.
"I can deal with contusions and soreness, but this is a different challenge for me," he said. "I do miss [working out].”
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