Ray Allen to play in Game 3
Ray Allen will play tonight for the Celtics, according to coach Doc Rivers. Allen went through a full warm up prior to Game 3 against the Atlanta Hawks, and his ankle is well enough to give it a go.
“I think he came to the conclusion that the pain’s not going away,” said Rivers. “He has to find a way to play with it and be effective with it.”
Those familiar with Allen know that he’s a creature of habit. On game days, Allen warms up starting around 4:15 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. game. Allen did not follow that routine before games in which he was definitely out, but he followed it tonight. He has not played in a game this series and has missed the team’s last 11 games overall.
“There’s no restrictions,” said Rivers. “Obviously he hasn’t played. He hasn’t gone up and down since he’s been injured. We did only halfcourt yesterday. So tonight will be his first time playing full court in about three weeks.”
Allen practiced with the Celtics yesterday in Waltham.
“He looked OK,” said Rivers. “He looked a little rusty, which he should be. But he was aggressive, and that was good to see.”
Allen looked good on the parquet before tonight’s game, taking jump shots, 3-pointers, and free throws before finishing his workout with a trademark dunk down the middle.
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