“The moment that kinda woke me up…….” Sometimes it feels crazy how life sometimes brings you full circle, doesn’t it? Imagine for a minute you’re a kid idolizing your favorite player, dreaming about making it big, and the next moment you’re standing across them. Tasked with stopping the very person whose poster you once had on your wall is a different experience to start with! That surreal moment, that unforgettable reality check, is something that Rashad McCants knows all too well. And rightly, this story comes to light as the Bucks legend’s record is drawn by a player in his former franchise in the Playoffs. Rashad came forward to tell about his experience with a legend who seems to be the only player who can save the Milwaukee Bucks against the Pacers.
Recently, former Timberwolves guard Rashad McCants sat down on the “Out the Mud” show and shared his honest thoughts about his “welcome to the NBA” moment. He didn’t sugarcoat his experience! McCants recalled the first time he had to guard none other than Ray Allen. “Yo, that’s Jesus…Shuttlesworth,” Yes, that’s how he reacted. Well, it’s expected.
“…..kinda woke me up that I was in the NBA, I was guarding Ray Allen for the first time in Seattle. I was like, ‘Yo, that’s Jesus…Shuttlesworth!’ For that split second, I just checked in, and you got Ray. I was like, ‘Oh s***.’ I’m locked on the waist. It’s an inbound, too. I gotta lock and trail or whatever. This is No. 34.” The emotion ran deep, the voice reflected the importance, “I’m about to guard a player that I looked up to. ‘I was Jesus Shuttlesworth,” he shared, sounding awed after all these years.
And speaking of Ray Allen, his legacy still tops the Bucks’ record books, but it might not for much longer! On Friday, last Gary Trent Jr. lit up the Pacers for 37 points, hitting a jaw-dropping nine three-pointers on 12 attempts. He tied Allen’s franchise record for most made threes in a playoff game, which showed a ray of hope for the struggling Bucks’ side. It was a masterclass performance just when Milwaukee needed it most. Trent helped them secure a 117-101 win and avoid a terrifying 0-3 loss in the series.
Sep 30, 2024; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) during Media Day at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Although Trent is playing the perfect Robin to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Batman (who also scored 37 points), it came short for the Bucks, who lost Game 4 to the Pacers in a 103-129 showdown. As Lillard steps out, the Milwaukee need more of his heroic displays in Game 5 to be relevant!
Now, let’s take a second to appreciate just how special Ray Allen’s legacy is. Before he was a Heat or Celtics icon, Allen built his reputation with the Bucks. Allen used to torch defenses with a silky-smooth shooting that felt almost unfair. His ability to move without the ball, create space, and shoot from ridiculous angles made him a nightmare! No wonder McCants had a mini heart attack when tasked with guarding him. That’s the kind of respect only a few earn.
Ray Allen’s Milwaukee Magic: A Standard of Excellence
Ray Allen wasn’t just good, he was generational. During his time with the Bucks, Allen averaged over 20 points per game across multiple seasons and was a three-time All-Star while wearing Milwaukee green. The 2001 playoffs and his key role in leading the Bucks to the Eastern Conference Finals remain a cherished memory for fans.
His shooting form was picture-perfect. It was like poetry in motion. The elevation, the quick release, and the way the ball barely touched the net before it went through made his play look heavenly. Allen didn’t just shoot threes, he weaponized them long before the modern NBA realized how powerful the three-ball could be! Seems like Stephen Curry is the present-day understudy of Ray Allen.
Even more impressive was his consistency. It didn’t matter if he was in transition or spotting up the corner, Ray was always a threat. Defenders like McCants could only lock onto his waist, but Allen’s footwork and deadly instincts often made it a losing battle!
And this is why tying his playoff record is such a big deal for Gary Trent Jr. It’s not just about the number; it’s about the standard of excellence and the history he tapped into. It’s safe to say that when it comes to big playoff moments, Trent is walking in the footsteps of greatness!
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