Ray was huge in the 4th

[Drucci]

Overlooked in the 4th quarter is the contributions of Ray Allen. He made a lot of big plays to start the 4th, with a drive to the basket, a wide open shot that gave Boston two more points to extend the lead, he played good D and then he delivered a great pass to TA.

Kudos to Ray for keeping his focus and his poise after another subpar shooting night, he made big shots and plays down the stretch.

And I think he is due for a big game scoring wise on Sunday since he will have had 3 days of rest, which his legs desperately need in my opinion!

Also, I like this 4 bench guys + Ray combination, maybe Doc will use it more in the future?

[PosImpos]

The bench functions so much better when Ray is out there handling the ball a lot.  Much better than when it's Pierce instead.

Rasheed and Glen Davis continue to function together quite nicely.  Rasheed + Garnett continues to trouble me.  I'd rather have Perk out there in crunch time when we need rebounds.  Statistically KG and Sheed don't play well together.

[connerhenry43]

i think this is an excellent point. ray did not go off like he did in game two, but he showed some signs of life, and definitely was a stabilizing force while nate and BBD went off.

[Fafnir]

Also, I like this 4 bench guys + Ray combination, maybe Doc will use it more in the future?

This was one of the best combos using the bench during the regular season for the C's.

It worked out this time in a big way, but I don't think we can count on that again.

[greenhead85]

Patience is a virtue.

Ray has tons of it that's why he gets to adjust easily most of the time. He played smart ball. Played like Rip Hamilton. Not forcing shots but simply catching the right opportune time to launch shots.

What was impressive with Ray is he keeps on making and executing the much needed adjustment during game 4. I am hoping he keeps this type of play throughout the series.

[Crushmaster]

The only thing Ray didn't do well was shoot the ball from three, but the 4th quarter was a nice testament to his versatility.  I agree that Ray is a pretty good play-maker in the half court, given the right circumstances.  Starting the offense with Ray and letting Nate run through screens and be a shooter paid nice dividends.  He also had a couple of nice drive-and-dishses that should have resulted in assists (Tony blew that one layup), and he's so good passing out of the double-team.  He's seems to have a ton of passes that lead to assists (gotta wonder if that should be a stat). 

Ray ended up leading the team in minutes (41), +/- (+9), added five boards, zero turnovers, and had a huge block on Gasol that didn't end up in the box score.  I'm glad Doc stuck with him. 

[Prof. Clutch]

Ray was the calming, facilitating presence on that second unit.  He didn't shoot lights out, but he was crucial to the benches success.

[j804]

He also was the leader calming Nate down out there, and trying to talk to Rasheed so he doesnt get another tech... Ray is really a class act I hope he retires in green.

[Drucci]

He also was the leader calming Nate down out there, and trying to talk to Rasheed so he doesnt get another tech... Ray is really a class act I hope he retires in green.

Good point, I thought it was good to see Ray calming Nate and giving him a lesson after he picked up a T. Veteran speech and attitude right there.

[Ed Teach]

The Lakers have been keying on stoping Ray's 3pt shots.  They have been closing on his threes very aggresivly.  In game 3 Ray kept trying to get his shot off anyway. But in game 4 he faked the shot and was driving to the paint.  He needs to keep attacking the rim until the Lakers start respecting his ability to drive to the rim, that should open up some open 3pt looks.
In the process he should be able to draw some fouls and we know his FT%.  If Kobe playing on him it will put more pressure on Kobe to stay out of foul trouble.

I like the adjustments Ray has made and expect him to pick up where he left off in game 4.

[Brendan]

The block on Gasol was HUGE.

[j804]

The block on Gasol was HUGE.

Video? I dont remember this play, I do remember Gasol getting a piece of a couple of Rays shots, so its nice to hear he got one back  

[Crushmaster]

It was the play that led to the Big Baby Drool basket.  A wild sequence, probably the most exciting play of the game.   You can see it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96T_YroB2UQ

[Bankshot]

Eh, I wouldn't say he was huge. He was good though.  He had the highest +/- because he was in the game with the bench when they went on that run.  I like that he calmed Nate down after that Tech.

[rjsuperfly66]

Quite possibly the best part of the ABC sequence is them blocking audio for roughly 5 seconds while keeping the camera on Baby's face, where he is clearly saying "Yeahh mother f'er" lol