Ray Allen sett the NBA Finals records for 3 point shots made with 8 during game 2 of the NBA Finals. In game 3 he missed all 8 3 point shots taken. Making matters worse is that his horrendous shooting ended up a blasphemous 0-13 total from the field in game 3.

The end result is that the Celtics again find themselves facing a one game deficit to the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers for the second time of the series.

Can anyone tell me what just happened?

If Ray Allen hits 3 of those 8 pointers, which anyone who think is possible when Ray Allen is shooting, the Celtics win the game.

Not to discredit the leadership and amazing play of Derek Fisher during the 4th quarter, but seriously, what in the world happened to Ray Allen?

Derek Fisher, according to AP Sports Writer Jimmy Golen, attributes the poor shooting by Allen to his legs:

“We obviously didn’t expect him to go 0 for 13, but it’s a tough gig for him to run around offensively the way he has to and then have to guard Kobe on the other end,” Fisher said. “I mean, that takes anybody’s legs out. It takes my legs out chasing him. So there are going to be nights maybe when his legs aren’t there because he’s having to work so hard on both ends, but we won’t see 0 for 13 on Thursday night, that’s for sure.”

That is sweet of D Fish to make excuses on Ray Allen’s behalf, but this is the time of the season where you are not allowed to be tired, not allowed to take a play off, and for someone who is famous for shooting the ball at an unbelievable level, and having jsut made NBA history the game before, you must do just that.

You must deliver, or else your record will fade into the fog of the minds of fans of the team that lost the series.

This ebb and flow from game 2 to game 3 by Allen has to mark one of the worst regressions in the caliber of performance coming after the game in which an NBA history is made.

Really though, if you think about the bright side, the only possibly direction Ray Allen has to go at this point is up, so the potential odds for the Celtics to show their resilience and bounce back in game 4 for a win is seemingly in their favor.

The Boston Celtics have a lot on the line tonight. They play Phoenix tonight staring a potential 3-game losing streak in the face. The game can be viewed  live on NBATV at 9:00 PM EST.

Can Garnett slow Amar'e down tonight? (Credit: picapp.com)

Phoenix is reeling with confidence after crushing the Los Angeles Lakers118-103 on Monday night. Steve Nash and the Suns have been on fire at home, boasting a 12-2 home record this year. Amar’e Stoudamire is playing like the Amar’e of old, putting up 20 and 10 over the month of December.

It has already been discussed how Boston is hurting without Paul Pierce. The Celtics have dropped off dramatically without Pierce in the line up, and have lost to the likes of the Clippers and the Warriors.

Not a good sign before heading down to Phoenix for tonight’s game.

Can Kevin Garnett or Ray Allen step it up against the Suns and push Boston over the top? Rajon Rondo has been a monster, but without a huge game from Garnett or Allen, it seems like Boston cannot put together a win.

What this game should come down to tonight is which teams second unit performs best. Boston managed to squeeze out 15 points from their bench versus the Warriors. Phoenix’s bench scored a total of 52 points against the Lakers. Jared Dudley led the way with 19 points and 7 rebounds. This disparity in bench scoring favors the Suns.

How can your bench only score 15 points against Golden State? The Warriors are not taught to play defense. The Celtics will be facing the top scoring team in the league tonight. The Warriors are the second highest. You do the math.

Steve Nash disassembled the Lakers on Monday. (Credit:picapp.com)

Can Boston avoid a third straight road loss?

Will Rajon Rondo be able to slow down or aggravate Steve Nash’s game?

Can the Celtics second unit compete with the Suns?

Can Boston compete without Paul Pierce?

These seem to be the most pertinent questions heading into tonight’s game, and it will be a battle worth catching from the moment the ball tips off.