The excrutiating torture called the NBA Finals are mercifully over…and none too soon.  How long do you think it will take David Stern to really begin to dismiss the allegations of game fixing?  I have long been raising concerns over the level of officiating in the NBA.  I refuse to believe these individuals who have been put in charge of enforcing league and game rules are that inept.  The cavelier attitude Stern is taking toward the situation is resprehensible.  You have an image problem.  Simply dismissing what many have thought for years is not only foolish, but the arrogance of the man (or is myth a better term?) proves how out of touch he is.  You stand the chance to alienate even more fans with inaction.  Usually when somebody is accused of something merely stating “I didn’t do it” is never enough.  Prove it!!!!

This really should be a time to be celebrating a great franchises ascent back to the top.  As much as I loathe all New England sports teams, I give my begrudging respect.  A lot is already being said of how Kevin Garnett deserves this title.  Of how he toiled in Minnesota all those years without “his” title shot.  What a load of crap.  Kevin Garnett is one of the most overrated players in the NBA.  He runs his mouth so much most forget that he’s just an average player.  Oh he has some skills, but in comparison to those who have mad skills he is a cheap imitation.

Okay then.  Let’s give some props to Paul Pierce.  You know, the one who felt slighted by other NBA teams to allow him to fall to Boston on draft day.  The one who would prove to those who passed him up that they had made a mistake.  How many years did it take?  And to think you needed help.  Where’s your cape?  You could not have done this without help.  At the end of last year Pierce’s displeasure with playing in Boston came close to him asking for a trade.  Hell, he very well could have and was talked out of it.  He was a malcontent who was just one bad stretch away from being a Chad Johnson.

No, the real respect needs to go to the one who just goes about his work without saying much.  One who plays with so much class that they should name a sportsmanship award after him.  Of course, I’m talking about Ray Allen.  His first stop was in Milwaukee where they haven’t had good basketball since Kareem left.  Allen gave that franchise instant respect.  He had to put up with lousy teams and questionable coaching yet continued to put in great performances game after game.  When he was traded to Seattle is was so the Bucks could get Gary Payton.  What a bunch or morons.  We can all see the great success that The Glove brought to them.

More years of losing and being associated with a franchise that just didn’t/doesn’t get it.  The Sonics are well on their way to Oklahoma, but that’s another story.  This time, Ray Allen was involved in a trade for him.  Not as an offer to bring somebody else to his team, but Boston wanted him.  All he’s done this year was put in his consistent, hard working effort…..as always.  Ray Allen elevated his game when it mattered most, in the finals.  For the playoffs he averaged 15.6ppg and 3.8rpg.  In the finals alone he averaged 20.3ppg and 5.0rpg.  He shot 50% from the floor and 52% from 3 point range.  52%!  He tied the record for most 3-point shots made in a finals game with 7.  Let’s see.  That record was set by some guy named Michael.  Pretty good company to keep.

What’s even more remarkable was that he had this performance after some personal angst.  His son had a medical issue which Allen stayed in LA for after game 5.  He didn’t make it to Boston until 7 or 8 am the day of game 6.  Usually the first out on the floor for practice, he was one of the last.  All he did was to tie that 3-point record and score 26 points.  All on very little rest.  After what he had been through it would have been completely understandable if he’d had an off night.  Not for Ray Allen.  He is a basketball player.  His job is to excell on the court, which he continues to do so.  As the team was celebrating the title, there was Allen holding his son.  What a scene.  Kevin Garnett chest thumping, throwing his head back howling, and Ray Allen sharing the moment with one he cares most about.  Paul Pierce received the MVP award, but Ray Allen should be everybody’s MVP.