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“LeBron James still thanks me for that shot”: Ray Allen reveals how Lakers star continues to cold-call him and acknowledge his corner 3-pointer in Game 6, 2013 NBA Finals

Amulya Shekhar
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What the ‘zone’ is like? If I had a tape and show people, this is what it’s like!! You can’t explain it, it just happens": Ray Allen's career-high game is a treat and also a big learning for any basketball player or a fan

Ray Allen made the most important clutch shot in the 21st century, and he says LeBron James calls him every now and then to thank him for it.

Mike Breen has one famous buzzword call – simply the word “BANG!!!” His most famous “BANG!!!” call was on a Ray Allen shot from the right corner in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals. The Miami Heat needed to score a 3-pointer to stay in the championship series.

LeBron James had done the bulk of his scoring in the 4th that night, but he rimmed a 3-pointer off the front-iron. Chris Bosh, however, got the offensive board, saw Ray Allen backing into the corner and passed. The 38-year-old did not even stop a second before retreating to the arc and rising up.

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Allen’s shot was as pure as any he made in his career, allowing Miami to take Game 6 in overtime. They only got back in the game because Kawhi Leonard and Tim Duncan missed 3 free throws.

Ray Allen says LeBron James continues to thank him every now and then for that shot

In an interview with CBS Sports, Ray Allen was asked if James and Erik Spoelstra acknowledge his clutch shot. He replied in the affirmative:

“Oh yeah, they do. They definitely do. And I owe them a debt of gratitude for accepting me into the fold. They already had a championship environment, and to welcome me in to help them get to the next level, that’s what true winners do.”

“It’s always just words of affirmation. When you win on any level — I always try to impress this upon kids that I speak to — it immortalizes you. You’ll forever be talked about. You’re part of the history of the game in that organization that you’ve won with.”

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“They always continue to find ways to win by any means necessary. They’re always willing to learn and get better. There hasn’t been a year that’s gone by where either one of them hasn’t mentioned 2013 to me. They’re always grateful for my input.”

About the author

Amulya Shekhar

Amulya Shekhar

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Amulya Shekhar is a sports junkie who thrives on the thrills and frills of live sports action across basketball, football (the American variant works too), parkour, adventure sports. He believes sports connect us to our best selves, and he hopes to help people experience sports more holistically.

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