How NBA legend Ray Allen felt when he nailed his iconic Game 6 three-pointer for the Miami Heat.
From 2011 to 2014, the Miami Heat made four straight NBA Finals, thanks to the Big 3 of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.
However, aside from the trio, the Heat were also home to some talented role players, including NBA legend Ray Allen.
Speaking of Allen, the 10x All-Star has one of the most iconic shots to his name in NBA history during Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesRay Allen on his epic Game 6 three-point shot
Allen’s three-pointer had huge consequences as to this date, fans believe if it wasn’t for that shot, the Heat would have lost the 2013 NBA Finals.
But what did Allen think of his shot? Well, he revealed his thoughts on it during the postgame conference of Game 6 in 2013.
“It’s tough, but believe it or not, I work on it quite often. I try to put my body in precarious situations coming from different parts of the floor, different angles to try to get my momentum going, moving forward,” Allen said.
He added: “I honestly can say I gave myself a great opportunity, a great chance to make that shot. And it wasn’t unfamiliar to me positionally.
“When it went in, I was ecstatic. But at the same time, I was expecting to make it.”
Allen’s confidence was evident in his skills as he wasn’t nervous despite the chance of winning the ring on the line.
What made Ray Allen attempt the three-pointer
Prior to Allen’s three-pointer, the Heat were down 95-92 with less than 20 seconds left on the clock. Considering the Spurs already held a 3-2 lead in the series, losing the game would have meant getting sent home for the Heat.
Keeping that in mind, nothing less than a three-pointer would have sufficed for the team and Allen was well aware of it.
“We need a three. Two points isn’t going to cut it. So my mental checklist is really to have my legs ready and underneath me, so when the ball comes, if it comes, I was ready to go in the air,” Allen continued.
“So that’s pretty much – once I get my legs there, I let the ball go. I’m going to give myself the best chance to make it,” the 2x NBA champ concluded.
After Allen’s game-tying three-pointer, the Heat registered a 103-100 OT win over the Spurs. They finished the job in Game 7 as Miami won back-to-back NBA Championships.