On Thursday, NBA Hall of Fame shooting guard Ray Allen ignited social media with a nostalgic Instagram post reflecting on his championship days with the Boston Celtics. The two-time NBA Champion, who last played in the league during the 2013-14 season with the Miami Heat, shared a heartfelt memory from Game 4 of the 2008 NBA Finals. His post, which garnered over 13,000 likes in just nine hours, resonated deeply with fans and sparked a wave of reactions.
In his post, Allen wrote: “17 years ago today it was game 4 of the 2008 @nbafinals @celtics @lakers. We were down 24 points and came back to win and go up 3-1 in the series. #june12.” The post celebrated the iconic moment when Allen, alongside Celtics teammates Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, orchestrated a stunning comeback against the Los Angeles Lakers, paving the way for Boston’s 2008 NBA Championship victory.
Allen, the fifth overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft out of UConn, was a key piece of the Celtics’ “Big Three” alongside Pierce and Garnett. Traded to Boston before the 2007-08 season, the trio led the franchise to two NBA Finals appearances in three years, cementing their legacy with the 2008 title. Allen’s sharpshooting and clutch performances made him a fan favorite and a cornerstone of that era.
The Instagram post drew an outpouring of love and memories from fans. @dcurry81 commented, “Lotta people only know you for your last second 3 in Miami, but you were really HIM! went toe to toe with the greats.” Another fan, @patrickcroninmoore, wrote, “Loved every second of that time in my life! Thanks for bringing the glory back to Celtics basketball. That run forever changed the trajectory of the franchise…you guys are legends.” Meanwhile, @gee_mesh300 referenced the 2010 Finals rematch, saying, “This one always stings but im glad we got yall back in 2010😎 I bet that one stung.” @davis__stewart_ highlighted a standout play, noting, “Ray Allen with the reverse layup to seal it.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Allen also played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics, and Miami Heat, where he famously hit a game-tying three-pointer in the 2013 NBA Finals. His legacy as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history remains untouchable, and his recent post proves that his impact still resonates with fans. Whether it’s his iconic moments in Boston or his clutch heroics in Miami, Ray Allen continues to inspire and set the basketball world ablaze with just one post.