Charles Barkley gets his groove on at Ray Allen's 38th birthday party.

Charles Barkley dancing to Lil Jon's "Get Low"? YEP.

Charles Barkley spitting game all over a random old lady? Also yep.

I want to be Charles Barkley when I grow up.

The science behind Ray Allen's Game 6 overtime-forcing 3-pointer.

... Or maybe it's just repetition with just a hint of luck.

"There's no target," he told me earlier in the series. "I don't aim. If I'm aiming that's when I'm missing. The way I look at it is just get the ball in the air. You do it over and over again you should never have a target." - Ray Allen (Via: SB Nation)

Great, so I have been shooting the basketball wrong this whole time. MY LIFE IS A LIE.

Random NBA .GIF of the Day: Ray Allen's late 3-pointer sends Game 6 into overtime.

BOTTOMS. Via: B/R

This was Ray Allen's first and only three of the game, and of course it comes at the most critical time, just like we all expected. Always believe in Jesus.

Danny Green shatters Ray Allen's NBA Finals three point record.

Guys, I think we are about to witness something totally different from what we expected. With the Spurs leading the Heat, 3 games to 2 in the NBA Finals, and just one victory away from the championship title, Danny Green could possibly end up as the NBA Finals MVP. He already erased Ray Allen's 2008 NBA record for the most threes made in the Finals, hitting 25 of 38 in the just the fifth game of the series, while Allen shot 22 for 42 to set his record in the six game Celtics-Lakers series. Man, no matter how it ends, this is going down to be one of weirdest endings to a NBA season. Let's just hope it won't end on any blowouts. I think we have had enough of those.

How's those threes taste, Ray Allen?

GIF Mashup by @cjzero

LeBron James's behind the back bounce pass to Ray Allen.

And they said all men were created equal, you really botched that one, big guy. 

LeBron James beats Ray Allen and Mario Chalmers in 3-point contest, makes them do push-ups.

Solid push-ups there, Mario Chalmers. Some would say that it was as solid as your top 10 point guard proclamation. Which makes you totally legit.

Via: Miami Heat Herald

LeBron James yells at the rim.

Sometimes even the best player in the NBA misses and will blame the external environment like you would do when you were younger, or now, I don't discriminate. You know, the times when you were playing basketball outside and you would blame the sun for being in your eyes, the backboard for not being sturdy enough, the court too slippery, the rim is built too low, or is bent from dudes dunking on it, as an excuse for your poor performance. We have all been there because we suck, so it is really strange to see LeBron James actually do it on national television and yell at the rim like a mad man. I wonder what he had said, can any of you, lip reading experts help me out? Please? All I could tell was that Ray Allen was really weirded out by the whole thing, I don't think he can actually process a missed free throw, at least that was what I got from that disgusted look of his.

Chris Bosh is one of those rare human beings that still calls Ray Allen by his given first name.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Did you guys know that Ray is not actually the given first name of the NBA's best shooter, but rather his middle name? And do you know what is even more surprising about all of this? His real first name is Walter, which seems ill-fitting because we have known him as Ray Allen for about the last 2 decades and it just flows right. But that doesn't stop Chris Bosh from calling his teammates by the name of the Breaking Bad character.

From 20 questions with Ray Allen in the Miami Herald:

Does anyone call you by your real name - Walter? 

"My college friends do. And now Chris Bosh, for some reason."

Of course, Chris Bosh would do something like that, we don't expect anything less from him at this point. He is probably doing it as some sort of guilt thing to get the others to call him by his full name "Christopher Wesson Bosh," because it totally makes his name sound way fancier. That, or he could just be really weird, which makes just about the same amount of sense.

Ray Allen is still known as "Jesus" to his Heat teammates.

He didn't actually play "Jesus," his character was named Jesus, but I made him look like one anyway.

Ray Allen is in his 19th and possibly last NBA season, while most of us will forever remember his illustrious career on the day he gives up his jersey, some of us will also remember what he did on the silver screen. Believe it or not, Ray once starred in a Spike Lee Joint called "He Got Game" in 1998 along side Denzel Washington. The future Hall of Famer played the character of "Jesus Shuttlesworth," who was a highly recruited high school basketball star dealing with the struggles of choosing the right college. Since the release of the movie, the name of his character has always stuck with Ray and his Heat teammates still call him by his character to this day.

From FOX Sports Florida:

Miami guard Mario Chalmers called it “one of my favorite movies.’’ He said Allen’s teammates sometimes call him by his character’s name. 

“We do it sometimes during games when he catches a hot streak or he does something crazy,’’ Chalmers said. “We’re like, ‘Jesus.’ Sometimes he just looks over and smiles.’’

It's great that Ray embraces it, but getting called "Jesus" just seems a little bit uncomfortable, and weird. To each his own, I guess.

Chris Bosh could not get high fives from Mario Chalmers and Ray Allen.

Via: @cjzero

Mario Chalmers and Ray Allen didn't leave Chris Bosh hanging because they didn't see him. They were more than aware of the situation, which was exactly why they didn't give him five. You see, Chris Bosh, as talented as he is a basketball player, doesn't have the greatest hand eye coordination. He suffers from a disease called "botcheveryhighfiveosis." It is rare condition that only occurs in 1/7 billion people, making him the sole person on Earth to be unable to complete high-fives in multiple scenarios. Mario and Ray were only trying to save Bosh from an unwanted exchange. They didn't know that it just made Bosh look weirder.

A brief history of Bosh's "botcheveryhighfiveosis."

Number one: Uphigh, down lo...TOO SLOW. (Via: Funny or Die)

Number two: AIR-BALL. (Via: Gifulmination)

Number three: This is the exact reason why fans believed that Bosh used to be a dinosaur. Not because he played for the Raptors, but for the inability to control their arms. Seriously, it's like he got them a few days ago.

As of now, there is no cure for "botcheveryhighfiveosis," and no research is planned to be done. Hopefully it stays that way, because these moments are priceless.

Chris Bosh and Ray Allen in a New Kids Foot Locker Commercial.

Of course Ray Allen is icing his knee. It's funny because he is old.

Notes: Brooklyn Nets vs. Miami Heat [12/01/12]

Miami Heat 102 - Brooklyn Nets 89

The Good

Heat: The offense is rarely the issue for Miami, and will probably remain as potent with Dwyane Wade looking like himself again. His 34 points bailed out Chris Bosh's horrible night and fueled the comeback. They fixed their rotation errors and limited their turnovers in the second half to win this game. LeBron's passing from the post could possibly turn into a lethal weapon with the new personnel, he gets open shooters in great position, unfortunately, most of them didn't become an assist, but something to watch for nonetheless.

Nets: Brooklyn is at best when Deron Williams has the ball in his hands, he is the only player on his team that can read the Heat's overly aggressive defense and break it down. A majority of his 12 assists came from passing out of the double, and into a rolling/slipping big man for a easy lay in. The Nets have to let Deron be a little more ball dominant like he has been in his former teams. I know that he is now surrounded by better talent, who wants an equal share of the ball. But his play making ability (something people kind of forget) will take them where they want to go.

The Bad

Heat: I have mentioned earlier that Shane Battier is an integral part of the defense, and it definitely showed in the early parts of this game. His replacement, Rashard Lewis does not possess a hint of defensive instinct, and is always a step slow to rotate. There are few things Miami has to change on defense, because the ball handler trap off a pick and roll that won them a championship last season is catching on. I mean, teams are starting to get real good at predicting it and using it to their advantage. They need to start relying on their individual defense in certain situations, instead of opting for the double and hoping that the help is there. Especially when playing against one of the best point guards in the league.

Remember when I said LeBron was playing too passive in this season, well he did it again. The reigning MVP did not attempt a field goal until the 14th minute of the game. As the best player of his team and the rest of the league, he can not do that. It wasn't like his team was doing great without his offense, because Miami was still trailing in the third quarter, where LeBron finally decided to win this game.

Nets: The starting back court of this Brooklyn team have not shot well despite their success, Deron Williams is at 38 percent, while Joe Johnson is at a career low 41 percent. This team needs their scoring. With Brook Lopez out, it will be a struggle on offense if these two can't get their act together. For a team that usually out scores their opponent in the paint, they only put up 36 points compared to Heat's 52, which pretty much sums up the importance of Brook. The big man would have certainly opened up shooters, had he played in this game and evidence proves that an offensively skilled big man cause problems for Miami.

The defense crumbled in the second half, thanks to the consecutive turnovers they coughed up, completely shifting all the momentum towards Miami . This game may have a different result, if the Nets kept up any effort from the 1st half (scoreless for 7 minutes in the 4th quarter) and had actual bench production. The loss highlighted their problems with pick and roll situations. The big man is too slow to have any effect on the driving ball handler, and no help was present. Dwyane Wade carved this team up.

Notes: San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat [11/29/12]

Miami Heat 105 - San Antonio Spurs 100

The Good

Heat: They didn't get embarrassed on their home floor by a San Antonio Spurs B team.

Spurs: This is still a Spurs basketball team and can definitely hold their own. Their flawless, unselfish ball movement, although sometimes unnecessary wreaked havoc among the Miami defense. They read the Heat infamous ball handler trap quick and rewarded the screen slipping Tiago Splitter. The Brazilian's height did cause match up problems for the opponent bigs, unfortunately he did not get the ball as much as he would have liked.

Everyone on this team can shoot, especially when they are wide open. All it took was some dribble penetration to draw attention for kick outs to patient shooters and the buckets naturally fell. The 10 three pointers they had in this game kept it interesting, but at the end of the day, they are just a bunch of good back up players.

The Bad

Heat: This team has yet to find their title earning defense, they look sluggish, and are always a step slower. Losing Shane Battier is a huge hit, his versatility on this end of the floor covers up a lot of holes the Miami exposes in their risky approaches. Wrinkle head's importance is irreplaceable, even more so when they have to play the defensively challenged Rashard Lewis in his place.

Dwyane Wade has not been the same player ever since he switched shoe brands, he looks old and beaten up. I am sure he will find himself somewhere in the season, but as of right now, he is a liability on defense, (just a bystander in transition) and has not proven to be a reliable offense tool.

Is it just me or are you sick of LeBron James just not going 100 percent until his team is down in the fourth quarter. This was a game that should have ended early and quickly. I understand that he wants do more than just score for his team. However if your team is on the brink of losing to second unit team, just because you want to pass the ball when you have the ability to get to the basket at will and draw 2 million fouls, you should really reconsider your game. There are times when a Superstar has to take a game over by himself. We saw already saw that in you, in the game 6 of that Boston series and the 32 point second half against the Houston Rockets. Now, we want you to hone that beast, and unleash it in the right circumstances. For God's sake, you had the chubby Boris Diaw, although a solid defender, is too slow-footed to guard you. You could have gotten right past him even if you go at half speed.

Spurs: No Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili or Danny Green. They lost and might get an undeserving punishment from David Stern, because no one out trolls the commissioner.

Oh, and Gary Neal might just be one of the worst defenders ever, he makes a 37 year old Ray Allen look like a good off the dribble, attack the basket type of player, something I can't type without giggling like one of those kids on Barney.

A Quick Round Up - November 29th, 2012.

Stats Rundown:

David Lee was unstoppable in Oracle Arena, 31 points (13 of 15 shooting), 9 rebounds, 1 steal, and a block against the Denver Nuggets.

Block Party: Kenneth Faried pinned every single Warrior shot into the backboard with his 5 blocks in the loss. He also had 10 points and 7 rebounds.

Game Winner: Ray Allen did Ray Allen things and once again, LeBron finds Jesus Shuttlesworth for the game sealing dagger against the San Antonio Spurs B team.

Nice Try, Old Man.: Mike Miller at his current age and condition actually attempted a fast break lay up and of course gets embarrassed by a dude signed for 10 day contract. Stick to shooting, dude.

Funny Notes: Following Joey Crawford's hilarious high stepping, this ref decided add a little flavor to his blocking foul call. More ref fun, the officials at the Golden State Warriors game blatantly missed a momentum shifting call, that gave the Warriors a free bucket. Erik Spoelstra wasn't too happy with the Heat and Coach Karl had a bandage on top of his head because he hit himself trying to close the car trunk.

Sager Suit: North Caroline Blue? (Via: @cjzero)

Gregg "The Troll Master" Popovich: Coach Pop was having a trolling spree today, first he sent Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Danny Green home for some rest. Then he trolled the media and Charles Barkley. He almost got away with trolling David Stern too, but his second unit failed this one on the road, and he could possibly face an undeserving severe punishment. Oh yea, he also joked with LeBron too.

The Feed: Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat [10/30/12]

This was the game we all have been waiting on tonight, and it was as good as expected. The Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics 120 to 107 in the first chapter of Ray Allen's path of revenge. After all the drama, controversy, and rivalry talk in the summer, we get an action packed rematch of the Eastern Conference Finals and it could not have ended any better.

For those who are unconvinced of how good of a game this was, let's just show you how it started.

Yes, that actually happened, and at long last we finally get some rivalry fueled by some intense hatred.

I know this has been said, but the Heat look indestructible. Boston came out to play tonight, keeping the score close until the end and still couldn't be any farther from beating Miami. LeBron left the game early with another leg cramp early 4th quarter, and was still able to register a double double with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Remember when we all criticized him for his inconsistent jumper, well, it was hitting tonight.

Without the MVP, the rest of the roster stepped up. Dwyane Wade struggled early, but still managed to pour in 29 points (scored his 15,000th career point in this game) . Bosh sneaked in 19 points and Ray Allen just shredding his former team with 19 points, establishing himself as a potential 6th man of the year candidate. The all time leader in three pointers made, hit his first bucket in less a minute in to the game, and of course it was a buzzer beater (shot clock). He capitalized on his defenders, using his pump fakes at the three point line to create a space for a easy twos and it was unstoppable.

On the Boston side, Paul Pierce put in 23 points, looking surprisingly ageless in his 14th season and even pulled out a dunk in transition. Unfortunately for the Truth, he didn't get much help early, as Rondo refused to look for his shot in the 1st quarter, however, he ended up with 20 points and 13 assists, by being more aggressive in the second half.

Kevin Garnett was left out offensively finishing with 9 points and 12 boards, his defensive production is still just as stellar, without him the defense collapsed. Jeff Green couldn't pick up the effort on defense or offense, looking as lost as Danny Ainge when he signed him to that 36 million deal. I thought Brandon Bass should have gotten more touches, with Shane Battier guarding him, he can easily out power him and put in more than 15 points. And who wouldn't want to see him dunk more, looking like he is always about to get rim stuffed with that low vertical of his.

The entire game was in Miami's control dominating on both ends of the floor. Boston made a late run (7-0) with Leandro Barbosa (16 points) pushing the ball on the floor, but it wasn't enough to spoil the glorious return of the reigning champions. The Celtic's depth that has been raved about all summer, didn't make a dent. Terry was out of control to start, throwing away passes and contributed to Boston's 16 turnovers to Heat's 8.

Funny things of note:

• Norris Cole's flat top could not be any more leveled.
• I am a 100% sure, NBA made a thicker headband just for LeBron.
• TNT really likes to film LeBron drinking his Gatorade, which was useless in helping him prevent cramps.
• Rashard Lewis's facial hair is disgusting and his jump shot is still super weird.
• Rondo pulled a Raja Bell on Dwyane Wade out of frustration.
• Kevin Garnett got a technical for faking an elbow to Mario Chalmers.
• Paul Pierce didn't take advantage when Mike Miller and his deteriorated body was guarding him.
• Wade complained just about every singe call and non call.

Offensive Set:
Miami returned to their strengths in the half court, using LeBron as the post to draw defenders close to kick out to more capable shooters. If they don't go to the post, they use the shooters to spread the floor for either Dwyane Wade and LeBron to attack the basket. They did run a similar double screen play Boston used to run for Ray Allen, but they abandoned that early when he was able to find his own offense. Their main weapon is still transition. They move the ball so quick, it is almost unbelievable. When they push against a unsettled defense, there is no doubt the ball will end up in the basket. 

Without Ray Allen to use as a decoy, Boston had to find a new offense. It mainly incorporates Rondo and Paul Pierce. Rondo obivously does Rondo things, weaving through the defense to find the wide open guys. If the ball lands in Paul Pierce's hands, he will either go for an iso, or a high post up that forces Heat's attention, allowing him to look for cutters.

Defensive Set:

The Heat is not only fast on offense, they are ridiculous with their rotations. They can afford to double and still recover just in time. Their specialty is still a ball handler trap at the top corner of the court, forcing lots of turnovers on any guard that is not prepared. 

Boston is without out a doubt still a great defensive team, but against a team loaded with this many weapons, they can only hope to slow them down. They like to double up on the stars for obvious reasons, rather risk the kick out then an easy basket. They have great communication for smooth rotations and props to Courtney Lee for his defense on Wade, that really bothered the star early in the game.

Rookie Watch:
Sulllinger is not ready, at least not against the heat. He might need to be in better shape, because he is a bit slow guarding Chris Bosh.

Doc Rivers: "Jason Terry is slow as (bleep)."

Photos By: Elise Amendola/AP Photo and
Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff

 

 

This summer, Boston ended the era of the original "Big 3" of the Celtics. With the rise of Avery Bradley last season, Allen had to take a backseat, in a role he was not comfortable with and eventually drove him out of town.

The addition of Terry, became a perfect fit, as the 2009 sixth man of the year, he can provide an offensive spark off the bench that the veteran team was desperately missing. His ability to create his own shot and making it at a consistent high percentage will be key to the Celtic's success. And because you want to know, in a recent interview, Jason explained his technique on creating his own shot.

From the Boston Herald:

... It’s changing speeds and changing pace, and sometimes when you’re slow, you’re quick. I mean, the defense doesn’t know what you’re doing. If you hurry, you run into your defender, and then you’ve accomplished nothing. So I had to slow myself down a little bit but still be quick at the same time.

The best part besides the fact that this made no sense was that Doc River heard it and called out on Jason Terry's bullshit

“He’s in no hurry. Well, he can’t be,” the coach said. “He’s slow as (expletive). 

That just moved Doc up in my non existent extensive list of coolest coaches ever. If you have the time please check out this great piece on Grantland about him, it might just make you move him up in your non existent list too.

Source: The Boston Herald

Kevin Garnett deleted Ray Allen's phone number.

 

Apparently, Kevin Garnett hasn't talked to Ray Allen since he got signed to the Heat.

"I don't have Ray's number anymore," Garnett said at the Celtics' media day Friday. "I'm not trying to communicate. I'm just being honest with everybody in here. ... It's just what it is.

Pressed on why he cut off contact with Allen, Garnett added, "I choose not to. I choose -- that's a choice I personally made. I told you all, I'm very close to Ray. I know his family. I wish nothing but the best for him and his family. I'm just making a choice on my own. That's all."

Wow. I can't wait for the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics opening game now. Can you imagine Kevin Garnett walk up to the Heat bench and purposely not greet Ray, leaving his teammate for the last 5 years hanging there, just watching KG turn his back to him.
What is even harder imagining is KG trying to hold his trash talk back, just so he can avoid talking to Ray.

Update with Video:

 KG looked super hurt to talk about it, hey look on the bright side, you actually got better team mates out of it.

Source: ESPN Boston