"And Portland cuts down the lead to 9 on a 7-0 run after trailing by as much as 20 points in the second half to the Boston Celtics."

This line has been the story for much of the Boston Celtics season.

Just when everyone came to realize this was going to be the Celtics patented second half meltdown, Ray Allen was determined not to let this happen again. As Ray Allen approached the 3 point line, he looked at Rasheed Wallace, as if this was the chance to end the threat. Ray took the pass, and fired the three pointer that he has hit 2,388 times in his 13 year career. But Ray knew that he was not done yet. He gave the same look to Marquis Daniels, letting Marquis know that he could seal the deal. Every Celtics fan got up off their seats, knowing what was coming up. We knew that Ray is one of the most clutch players in all of NBA, and Ray would not fail. Ray hit is second consecutive three pointer to crush all hopes for Portland. On the next Celtics possession, Ray put the icing on the cake as he hit the pull up jump shot to bring the lead back to 17 points.

Being the the topic of many possible trades being discussed by the Celtics, Ray Allen knew that he had to deliver for his team. He took it all in as motivation. He took all that motivation to drive him into one of his best months ever as a Celtic. In the month of February, Ray has led the team in scoring with 21 points per game, while scoring more than 20 points in 7 out of 10 games. Ray has been putting up one of the best FG% in the NBA in the month of February with a .524 FG%, while hitting .372% of his three point shots.

The re-emergence of Ray Allen has given the Celtics some more hope to the season, as he has lead the Celtics to a 4-1 record following the all-star break with impressive wins against the Lakers and Trail Blazers. The Celtics know that if they want to compete for the championship this season, other than injuries, they need the old Ray Allen back. The old Ray Allen indeed has come back, and he is looking to stay that way, using the trade rumors as motivation. Not only has he used the trade rumors as motivation, he is also using the fact that he isn't considered an all star anymore, being the only big 3 member to not make it this season.

This very well could be the last run for Ray Allen as a Celtic and as a consistent scorer, but what he has brought to the Celtics as a clutch player and leader will never run out. Only time will tell if this re-emergence of Ray Allen will convince the Celtics to give him another contract with the team, but he is willing to accept the fact that his career is hanging on a limb. He is willing to take a reduced role and salary to remain with the team, adding to the fact that he is one of the most professional players to ever play the game. So just enjoy this re-emergence of one of the most well liked Celtics player ever.

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