By Jessica Camerato
CSNNE.com
BOSTON - In addition to being the best 3-point shooter in NBA history, it turns out Ray Allen is also a master of deception.
After scoring 27 points, including 5 treys, against the Golden State Warriors on Friday, Allen revealed he was battling a sore right knee and questioned if he would be able to play.
"I just had a little bit of soreness in there that I worked through over the last day-and-a-half," he said. "Coming in this morning, it felt similar and I was kind of taking it hour-by-hour and seeing how it felt when I got down here. And when I got down here, it felt better.
Allen did not practice on Thursday and came to the TD Garden prepared to sit out. His gray suit, he pointed out, was not a fashion statement.
"This morning I just came in and got treatment and just tried to play it by ear, he said. That's why I have a suit on, in case I was on the bench. I honestly thought when I came down here, there might be a chance. But I came down here as usual to be ready to play.
On a team hobbled by injuries, Allen is one of just two Celtics who have played in all 60 games this season. (Paul Pierce is the other.)
Boston Celtics
There was no letting up for Allen on Friday, either. He played 39 minutes against the Warriors as a result of a nearly-blown lead. The departure of Von Wafer (calf) also forced him to stay on the court.
Yet in spite of his knee, Allen appeared to breeze through nearly 40 minutes on the court (9-13 FG, 5-8 3PG, 4-5 FT).
Hes just an amazing shooter. He really is, said Doc Rivers. And whats more amazing is how many times hes wide open. Its remarkable when you think about it. The Reggie Millers, Ive been on teams where before the game the coach says, Do not give this guy an open shot. And you turn around and hes standing there all by himself. Its just amazing how they find open spots.
In typical Allen fashion, as one of the most disciplined players in the NBA, he found his way on the court as well.
It's hard from one day to the next, and then the day before say, 'I'm not playing tomorrow' because you feel a little soreness, he said. You have to get in there and really put your body to the test and get it better. I got treatment and ice and by the time I got down here, I shot and felt a lot better. And here I am."
Jessica Camerato is on Twitter at http:twitter.comjcameratonba