Ray Allen's struggles hurting Boston Celtics on both ends of the floor – NBA News
Ray Allen has not been having a good time in the playoffs. The veteran Boston Celtics shooting guard has been struggling in the series against the Philadelphia 76ers and has scored a combined 8 points in the
last two games.
Allen scored only 5 points while going 2 of 6 in the game 4 loss to the Sixers and in the game 3 win, Allen was 1 of 1 for three points, his worst ever performance.
Allen is part of the Big 3 of the Boston Celtics that also includes Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, and is expected to contribute much more than what he is contributing in the series against the Sixers. Having
started the game for most of his time at Boston, Allen was moved to the bench in April this year by coach Doc Rivers in an attempt to utilize his roster in a better way or simply put to prepare for the transition phase if Allen leaves the franchise in the
free agency.
Allen, the best three point shooters of all times, has been struggling with a right ankle injury that is slowing him down and not letting him play up to his potential. Besides struggling to find any rhythm on
the offensive end, Allen is also not putting up a good defensive front, resulting in the Sixers breaking down the Celtics defense.
"Even the shots he’s had, they haven’t gone in. They are not leaving him. That makes it difficult. I don’t know health-wise if he’s able to get away from guys, either. That combination has made it very tough”
said Celtics coach Doc Rivers.
"You’ve got Ray who is playing because it’s the playoffs. That’s probably the only reason he’s playing and we’d love to get him shots, but it’s tough. He can’t get away from guys and he struggles at the other
end” added Rivers.
Allen is a critical component of the Celtics offense due to his excellent jump shooting, particularly his shots from the perimeter. His skill enables him to open up the floor and break down the defense as opponents
have to guard him, knowing his potential fully well. His struggle with the ball has led to a reduced playing time as both him and his coach try to find a limited role for him that could prove beneficial for the team.
However, the way the Sixers are defending him and not giving him open shots, Allen will need to use his extensive 15 year experience in the NBA and combine it with mental strength to overcome his injury as well
as his poor form to come big for the Celtics.
To say that the Celtics need him if they are to reach the NBA Finals will be an understatement.
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