If Ray Allen wanted a time and a place to break the NBA's all-time record for 3-pointers, he probably couldn't have handpicked a better one if he tried.
When the curtain goes up at the TD Garden on Thursday night, Allen will be one trey short of 2,560, equaling Reggie Miller for the most ever. He'll be taking part in the game's greatest rivalry — Celtics-Lakers — in front of a sellout crowd, his friends and family, and even Miller himself. The Pacer legend will be sitting in the front row, broadcasting the game for TNT.
Even Miller, who will likely relinquish his record Wednesday, is looking forward to it.
"For all my followers and Ray Allen's followers," the former Pacer said via Twitter, "I can't wait to be in the building Thurs evening, Lakers vs C's, as history is made."
Meanwhile Allen shares the respect and admiration for his fellow sharpshooter.
"He's always been a great supporter of everything I've done," Allen said of Miller. "He's taught me how to be an even better person, how to be humble even when great things happen to you. He had a great career and so many great things have happened to him. So for him to not have any ego or animosity toward me for breaking his record, I'm glad.
"It's like the stars are aligned for him to be able to be here."
There's a pretty good chance the two shooters will get their wish on Thursday night. Allen needs two 3's to surpass Miller; in 36 of the Celtics' 51 games this season, he's made two or more.
The stars are aligned, the home crowd will be there, and the Lakers will be right there in the midst of it all. For Allen, it couldn't be more perfect.
