Ray Allen Breaks Down His Legendary Game 6 NBA Finals Shot

We're so excited to have NBA legend Ray Allen on 'The Old Man and the Three' this week! To preview this incredible episode, Ray explains everything that went into hitting his famous Game 6 three pointer on the Miami Heat against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. It's fascinating.
Subscribe to The Old Man and The Three podcast w/ JJ Redick (ESPN / First Take) and Tommy Alter KZbin channel today for more NBA analysis, player interviews and highlights.

[@Dom2k16]

I’ve never seen a game be more over than game 6 was in 2013. Will never forget how stunned I was witnessing the crumble

[@nocap9382]

Whass good dom

[@2easydb133]

Read this in ur voice 😂 , Dom 2k da Goat 🐐

[@masonoverton4063]

Aren’t you suppose to be on twitter bro

[@MichaelGee2-id9tb]

As a heat fan sinking in his seat during that game when ray hit that shot I swear I jumped up like Norris cole in the corner 😂😂😂

[@yandhijpeg]

Dom was the crumbling of game 6 heat vs spurs worse or is the crumbling of the cavs vs warriors series worse in 2016??

[@homiefromfl]

"Most people don't want that smoke." -Ray Allen, 2024

[@dimitrijetucovic1307]

Ray Allen is one of the hardest working players ever. He was absolutely dedicated to his craft. No wonder he hit that shot, he practiced it a million times.

[@DiorShiesty]

Indeed they even have videos of him practicing those shots on YT

[@BronnyJames2025MVP]

So have I and I still suck 😂

[@dimitrijetucovic1307]

@@BronnyJames2025MVP Highly doubt you did.

[@seanxclusive]

@@BronnyJames2025MVPif you actually put in work and consistently put actual effort in I bet you wouldn’t suck.

[@peacockmusicpage]

Yep. As Bruce Lee said, he fears a guy who has practiced a kick 10,000 times.

[@samueljlarson]

He's talking about how his mind and body were in a flow state together to the point where his mind didn't need to think or calculate the shot - it was just muscle memory and his motions were instinctual. I love hearing about this level of sports psychology.

[@najjammalik8718]

it's crazier because the muscle memory was limited by the spacing, so it was more like muscle hypothesis to hurl the shot up like that and have it go in perfectly off balance etc, now im sure hes shot like thtat before but no one practices shooting like that

[@joahanramirez5811]

@@najjammalik8718that’s what make Ray great, the fact that he has shot that same shot multiple times . bro really went ultra instinct for that one shot

[@jamalfleming6749]

Ultra Instinct Ray 😂

[@G82Watts]

Honestly I knew that would be his answer.. just watching the play u could see their wasn't much thought into it.

[@tercial]

Reminds me of the time Steph hit a corner 3 over AD with his eyes closed

[@steve_santiago]

Not only was in one of the greatest shots in basketball history but it was ALL NET.

[@humanuponearth]

That’s my favorite part about the shot. Pure wet ball.

[@ev9794]

Yk ball

[@TMD-g8o]

It was EXCELLENT

[@HoopsAficionado]

Ray had the best of both worlds. He was the number one option in Milwaukee and Seattle and made All-Star teams while making great money. In the latter half of his career, he won a championship in Boston and then another in Miami.

[@croatiankid6595]

If u think about it that Paul pierce and kg also before the big 3

[@TYE757]

Heat fans left early ,then they tried to get back in to the arena 😂😂

[@TMD-g8o]

FOOLS

[@xxCD7xx]

As someone who HATES the celts - this man will always be the reason I will never hate a player

[@KnewCummer]

This guy was my favorite player, once he left the Celtics I stopped rooting for that team lol

[@Powerule23]

For me, it was Larry Bird. He taught me to never hate a player, especially when those emotions are drawn from admiration, whether admitted or not.

[@abdirahmanahmed1650]

@@Powerule23mines was Kobe I get it now imma fan of all

[@marconunez174]

Bro This comment FR. He was the only player I wasnt hating at during their prime tbh

[@suuup4711]

I experience the same thing when I get to classes. My brain doesn't really understand how but my body says "we got this, we've been in this position many times" and I fall asleep.

[@natemps]

Man you crazyyy...you got me at first...then lmao

[@Lifxzvb]

You had us in the first half.. lmao

[@FireAngelChris]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@lav7161]

Clutch!

[@MrAlvarez23]

Bruh😂😂😂😂

[@user-zt9tw8tq7r]

ray allen never does podcasts, as a fan of his i aint heard him much since he retired glad to see hes getting on podcasts

[@Westcoaststyling]

Ray Allen seems like his interests expand beyond the game of basketball, if he started a pod that included guests that shared the same interests as him or him wanting to learn more from, I'd definitely watch it

[@etf42]

He’s an incredible golfer

[@rickyrougs]

i wanna see him coach

[@anthonyarmand3614]

He hit that shot going backwards, I remember watching it on TV, it was so devastating. The Spurs already had the 🍾 on ice. It was like McGregor catching Aldo, the shot was so precise. Everything about it was smooth, his awareness of where he was in the court.....I'm still amazed!

[@LeoDunsonMinistries]

No one talks about how Ray Allen was in one of the greatest basketball movies of all time. HE GOT GAME. Damn what a classic

[@BlackHowl1]

Not one of, it IS the greatest basketball movie of all time. I've also got it as the best movie Spike Lee has ever done. Think I might rewatch it this weekend as an Easter treat. JESUS!!!

[@TalibanKam]

Facts!

[@agtjackbauer]

Everybody knows about Jesus Shuttlesworth. It's not a secret 😂

[@DM-lj2mn]

You're tripping, its no secret how iconic that movie lol

[@aqueelkadri8371]

Wow. Ray talkin about not knowing what he did but his body knew was definitely a new idea for my brain. So we need to train so hard as shooters that our brain can't even comprehend whats happening in the moment but the body knows what to do

[@Jeremy-ot6pb]

yeah. muscle memory. it's a really common concept

[@markmittens]

​@@Jeremy-ot6pbyeah it is😂 I think he's blown a way by hearing it put this way

[@jake.presents]

As Ray said, the anxiety is so high, that you have to let the body take over. The anxiety isn't only yours, you can also feel the tension of everyone else watching & hoping, and the magnitude of the moment. If you're thinking "what if I miss", or your mind is running, then you'll miss. You have to be able to just focus on the rim. About 9 seconds, down by 1, I steal the ball and immediately get fouled for a 1&1. When I released the ball, both shots felt like I airballed, but both were dead swishes. After that I felt more & more confident in clutch time. And started to recognize how most people play not to make the losing mistake, they're on their heels. I can sense it, and my focus sharpens like a shark smelling blood in the water. If you can not give a fakk about the outcome then it's easy to turn on.

[@chillsummers]

it becomes routine , its all feel at a point

[@iGotSpaceLikeNASA]

Yeah this is very similar to making a living as a musician, I have no idea what my body is doing sometimes 😂

[@hyperrreign1352]

As a spurs fan, this conversation makes me so sad😭😭 but its still really interesting to hear

[@Roadrunnerz45]

come on, you won next year ;)

[@erich3784]

@@Roadrunnerz45 Still stings bro

[@syc2543]

You lot and KD are the reason someone isn't unanimous goat. Stand Proud lol.

[@shimasura]

⁠​⁠@@syc2543curry not kd

[@syc2543]

@@shimasura With respect KD. I have Curry over KD all time but KD not Curry delivered those 2 chips. Let not the Charles Barkley disrespect for KD seep into your minds and disrespect easy money sniper. Bron has beaten every version of Curry with a healthy team when both rosters are equal. KD got the warriors those chips. More evidence of that is his injury for that Toronto series.

[@FreeDawkins]

JJ was fascinated by Ray, Love it! Cats these days don't know how smooth and lethal Allen was, One of my all time favorites.

[@neildenman1776]

What a legend. Super humble, I will always remember watching that shot

[@stipe_ramo]

Favorite player of all-time

[@JesusShuttlesworth]

Exactly.

[@youngthug52]

he’s a snake

[@MrDiMES123]

Me too wtf … we rare gang

[@Lu7.k]

@@youngthug52foh cause he would’ve gotten traded by the team anyway if he started to decline it’s only a snake move if they leave but when the team send em to some bs cause they declining then it’s “he just ah”

[@alyshamiller3351]

Mine too!!

[@armin38822]

I 100 % understand why Ray is not with the group off KG,Rondo and Pierce. This dude is intelegent.

[@MrDiMES123]

Rondo is also intelligent but he has a bad temper

[@armin38822]

@@MrDiMES123 true ! I would say in basketball terms Rondo is the smartest among them all

[@KDuff-2015]

The biggest single game collapse in Finals history, Kawhi missed key free throws & Popovich benching Duncan on the play Bosh got the offensive rebound was the shift that won Miami that series

[@chuitosjpr9725]

As a Spurs fan, nobody would never change what real spurs fans know deep in our hearts without any doubts, Timmy definitely would get that rebound.

[@bmettura]

Check out Orlando/Houston '95 game 1. It's another monumental collapse, by Orlando. It's also Kenny Smith's one shining moment. 4 consecutive missed free throws by Nic Anderson in the last 10 seconds, if he makes just 1, Orlando wins.

[@astromigui]

@@bmettura Yep, but game 1 tough. Here the title was already prepared for the Spurs

[@newagain9964]

@@chuitosjpr9725not necessarily. But Leonard missing those shots was unbelievable. Felt really Dangerous. Like a collapse impending

[@auc2.0]

@@chuitosjpr9725The dumbest move a so called “legendary coach” in Popvich ever made. Still makes my blood boil.

[@914Rocky]

What a great conversation. It’s great to see how professionally he treated his craft. Thinking about all of the little things including running to his spot so he could get more rest and repeatedly practicing bringing the ball up from different angles when shooting. When I hear this, I smile, because I hear my dad (and I’m 58) say, you can’t just show up. You have to constantly prepare. That’s why I respect you so much, JJ. You didn’t just show up. You did everything possible to hone your skills. I’m not an athlete, but I’ve applied this advice to everything I do. I’m a trial lawyer. And I never, ever just show up. I practice my opening and closing statements and my oral arguments over and over again. It’s not about being talented and good in your feet. It’s about preparation. And I smile whenever I hear anyone talk about how much they prepared. And it’s why, as a Sixers’ fan, I never liked Allen Iverson. He had massive, generational talent. But he just showed up. I shudder to think about what he could have accomplished had he approached the game like you, Ray Allen, and Kobe Bryant did. And it’s clear that you approach your podcast the same way. It’s not luck that it is so successful.

[@homerdough5389]

I was with you until you called out Allen iverson. The man was 5'10 and cooking the league. Tf you mean he just "showed up"? The amount of preparation any short player to even make the league is astronomically higher than any 6'5+ player.

[@914Rocky]

@@homerdough5389 I’m sure he practiced to some extent but he famously dogged it or didn’t show up for practices. It was a constant criticism of Iverson throughout his career, not just during the infamous “you’re talking about practice” press conference.

[@elbowgang9715]

​@@914Rockythe same guys you sliding on those knee caps for would tell you that Iverson was the biggest challenge individually for them. Wipe those lips off ma'am

[@ozz7602]

​@914Rocky again you're wrong. Media smear job on him with the practice rant, his best friend was murdered that day, and he was annoyed the media was dogging him about practice. You never watched A.I play and to suggest freaking Reddick is on that teir is comical. Just like Jerry west said Reddick wasn't a player who altered outcomes. IVERSON ALTERED THE LEAGUE.

[@914Rocky]

@@ozz7602 A few things. I’m 58 and am a former Sixers’ season ticket holder. I’ve seen Iverson play hundreds of times in person. I’ve been a fan since Dr. J joined the team. I’m not suggesting that Redick has the same level of talent as did Iverson. He didn’t. And quite frankly almost no player in the league had his level of talent. What I am saying is that Iverson would have been even better had he practiced better and harder and the team would have been much better had he done so. I’m familiar with the events surrounding that interview you are talking about. But Iverson’s poor practice record wasn’t for a single short period around that shooting. He did not take practice seriously throughout his entire career and it was a knock on him from day 1. Iverson is a legit hall of famer but had he had the practice chops of a Kobe Bryant or a Ray Allen, he’d be a Mt Rushmore type player. Heck, Iverson is the best HS quarterback ever to come out of Virginia. His talent was off the charts. And he played super hard, every second. But he never took practice seriously.

[@butterbean8619]

Pressure shot. Games on the line anxiety was overwhelming him mentally but he put in so much work his muscle memory took over.

[@MikeWillis-si7lr]

One of the 2 greatest shooters ever and he’s practiced shooting all his life and he’s being honest about being scared shi*tless because he knew everyone else was scared to but they were depending on his work. So crazy

[@bjmathis119]

One of my favorite moments seen live. I marched around my house alone in excitement.

[@jitsrajan]

This guy is all heart and work ethic..Tough to find players like ray in todays league..

[@Core4Core-j4s]

mayn there is people like that in the league

[@itsCSB]

i could listen to him talk all day, looking forward to this pod!

[@jonroman624]

Ray went ULTRA INSTINCT on that play. Incredible hearing him describe the moment and what went into it.

[@cgbach]

Absolutely amazing convo here. Maybe the best I’ve heard on this channel

[@GODIAM-sy9qb]

Absolutely love these type of insights from well articulated greats of the game. Thank you!

[@emirepresa9500]

This game alone could have a 30 for 30 documentary. One of the thing that shocks me is the people that where leaving the arena early to beat the traffic. Why would you ever do that? Of course they didn’t know what was going to happen but, let’s assume the heat lose. It’s the championship game, the end of the season, you pay your respect to your team and to the champ. Did they have a better plan back home? I’m glad for those who chose to stay.

[@GeminiBrown]

REAL SPILL💯

[@aashivbajaj6822]

That’s a fact they didn’t deserve to be there. I’m happy they missed out on such a historic moment. I hope this haunts them for the rest of they’re lives !

[@crystalizedExposed]

i mean they were down 5 with 28 seconds left, and some probability site says they had a 1.5% chance of winning. can you blame them in the moment for wanting to beat traffic out?

[@MrDiMES123]

Miami is a notoriously shallow city… their fans used to show up late & leave early

[@user-xl8zy6bp7b]

​@@JaymzGames Not when Wade was there

[@NY-Vice]

JJ & team I just wanted to say thank you for all the hard work. Love the show.

[@sudanstowell2533]

When people try to use ray allen to diminish lebron, it's actually disrespectful to Ray allen.

[@ariel3423]

Muscle memory, incredibly hard work and natural born talent secured him that shot

[@mbf6160]

Watching guys like bird ray reggie and steph shoot was pure magic 🔥🤙🏾

[@TheTEN24]

Love hearing his insight on a truly incredible play and sequence. Shows how much he practiced all aspects of shooting to be great.

[@robertdavis3526]

He played 18 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 2018. Allen is widely considered to be one of the greatest three-point shooters of all-time, and he held the record for most three-pointers made in a career from 2011 until 2021, when he was surpassed by Stephen Curry.

[@bobwiegers]

great work as an interviewer, bringing him back to the topic at hand and getting the good stuff for us

[@JLov3RnB]

What insight from Ray that you can instill in your everyday life. Prepare yourself so when the moment comes, you’re mentally ready for any adversity that comes your way. You can control that part on how you prepare yourself day in and day out

[@RandomNumber6598]

I could listen to Ray talk forever

[@michaelurena7324]

Subscribed! These interviews are next level.

[@dominicanheat2790]

Ray Allen isn’t lying about those turn around shots. I went to the red and white game before the season and he had me pass him the ball to take that turn around shot

[@Brsrafal]

Greatest shot in nba history spurs were already celebrating

[@nuggz720]

Ray Allen was my favorite player at UCONN and in the NBA for a while. His stroke was so pure!

[@blaquiere141]

I started watching the NBA in 2006, my favorite players back then were Dwayne Wade, Allen Iverson, Steve Nash and Ray Allen !

[@mohsinkamal2468]

Same here, started watching around 2006-2007 Dwyane Wade and Brandon Roy were my favourite players then

[@ryanr2630]

As a Spurs fan, im so glad we got our Revenge in 2014. The loss in 2013 (as horrible as it was) made 2014 SOOO MUCH SWEETER

[@eamparbeng]

The fact that it took a clutch 3 pointer to force a game 7 is a Testament if not only the Spurs excellence as an organization, but what a team the 2013 Heat were

[@Playaflydre]

Milwaukee Ray was a monster. Folks dont really talk about that part of his career. But go back and watch Milwaukee Ray. That man was a beast

[@author722]

This, to me, is the greatest shot ever. Forget the context - clock running down, team behind, nba finals. As soon as Bosh got the rebound, he anticipated and was already backpeddling. He shot as his momentum was going backwards, consider the amazing combination of ab and leg strength and coordination and timing. But the MOST amazing part was he did not look down at the floor, yet made it to behind the 3 point line and didn't step out of bounds. How many people on earth can backpeddle, get behind the 3 point line yet stay inbounds, and without any hesitation put up a shot, all the while WITHOUT LOOKING DOWN? I've replayed this shot many many times and each time, I'm looking at his head/eye level and it never ceases to amaze me his spatial awareness and split second shot adjustment.

[@Rob954ever]

I'm 57 years old and have played organized Basketball since I was 6. I still play once a week with a group of guys my age. I'm also a native of Soflo. He is absolutely right about learning how to shoot with no space. As I've aged, I no longer have the raw athletic abilities I did when I was young. But my shot has never left me. And hearing them relive the Heat winning it all in 2013 really warms my heart. I cried out of sheer joy that night. Sports are an amazing thing, aren't they?😉👍🏼🙌🏻

[@Brobudude]

He elevated so far off the ground that he had about a foot and a half underneath him when he released. That’s the greatest shooter of all time.

[@btwentwo]

The Chris Bosh pass was so fluid and perfect... hopefully he gets the love for that play today too

[@MrTheRevertz]

That’s cold bruh, didn’t even feel confident or think that it would go in yet looked so smooth.

[@Nerdmatic]

That shot changed so many legacies.

[@ThreePointThreat]

The first time I watched Ray Allen play was the 2001 ECF, Bucks vs. AI and the Sixers. Watching him hit that shot against the Spurs was incredible. That and Kyrie’s shot against the Warriors are among the greatest shots I’ve ever seen.

[@2UGamingProductions]

I do the same when i walk around the house at night

[@CWil06]

Ray Allen is a Legend in Milwaukee ‼️ Glad to finally see him.

[@jaysabz7775]

Its amazing to listen again - on his dedication, work ethic and discipline to the game of basketball. And him being a shooter, he comes up in the arena two hours earlier, before each game, his entire career to get his mind and body ready for those type of shots. And that game 6 dagger was no different.

[@0980461]

This the Finals that got me into basketball. Remember being in Middle school and watching it in the living room. Been a fan ever since.

[@davidgiwa555]

Never been so early for video. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time!

[@devantedenson1301]

I'm from Seattle, so hearing this is great insight and closure hearing his perspective from those HOF moments. Tell 'em Ray!

[@ben10521]

so drunk and high watching this, so dope to get a personal perspective of someone directly involved in such an iconic moment… im cooking it

[@p_ricojl2875]

Wow, no feelings. Such a great shot. Thank you

[@josevalbuena8499]

We all felt the same exact thing @ arena. Iconic Moment Ray A. what a Legend and hall of famer of the game.

[@02nupe]

Quality content on pure basketball!! the second greatest 3 point shooter of all time, #Legend

[@eddiecoger1082]

that was an amazing breakdown on shooting

[@tercial]

Ray Allen has impeccable spacial awareness for the basket

[@TheEastside661]

Born in 1992, began watching the NBA in 2003, Ray was one of my favorites growing up!

[@July9326]

As a spurs fan that shot was heartbreaking. Duncan could've had 6 championships had it not happened.

[@sakpasetechnology9197]

Ray was on some Ultra Instinct shooting, the product of consistency and hardwork

[@Ezel_00]

the minutes leading up to that shot though, those were fxcking intense watching it live.

[@Edward-cr7lw]

What a legend ❤❤

[@aaronfoss8956]

Ray still looks like he could play. Great shape!

[@yukon6370]

Really glad Ray Allen came on the podcast, he usually is pretty private and doesn't really talk much publicly about his time in the NBA.

[@javi.gaitan]

Witnessed this game with my parents I was 13. Best shot I’ve seen in my life. Crazy I remember jumping out of my chair of how excited I was.

[@MrFraiche]

That shot is the absolute pinnacle of a true shooter’s experience: the impeccable backwards footwork…not one wasted step…perfectly behind the line with just one look at the ground as he catches the ball, feet squared in 1 motion raises up as defense closes in with no space, down 3…clock winding down…Game 6 of NBA Finals…splash, all net. Legendary.

[@Mazo36]

*down 3. Forced the game to overtime

[@BiglaanVlogLang_28]

Wow Ray allen.....❤❤❤ Corner 3sssss👏👍❤️

[@Dedman_Tech]

"Most people don't want that smoke." - that's a hell of a quote from one of the greatest shooters of all time.

[@meethvncho]

Watched that live and I lost my mind literally still get chills

[@espectrodelayautja6320]

The ultimate NBA professional. The killer that always delivered. Sniper.

[@crypticpainter7643]

The most amazing shot I have seen in a finals

[@drolleskate6164]

Being a spurs fan in high school at the time, my friends and family were all watching this series and that shot was the most demoralizing shot I’ve ever witnessed. This was a brutal series and we were really not wanting to go to game 7. But hey we got our get back the next year

[@alexbrown307]

What might get lost on the kids is that the only reason he had a chance to win it was because Bron completely took over that 4th quarter. Yes, he missed that last shot, but everyone thought they were done. So much that they had already started roping off the court for the Championship celebration for the Spurs.

[@rainieralcazar7486]

If it was an anime, that shot would have at least 5 episodes of flashback of his training, preparation and hardwork when he was a kid up until that moment.

[@jadenayala1281]

I'm from San antonio that shot took a piece of our heart away forever

[@rkms5606]

Watch the Miami bench. There is at least ONE player who KNEW that this shot was coming and going in long before Ray Allen let it fly. ❤👏🏿 Amazing

[@Frostshokula]

Before “The Block”, there was “The Legacy Saver” 😆

[@whatudoin1]

amazing player ...He was an all rounder but then switched his game ,focused on threes so his team can win .As a celtics fan,i´m glad we walked away from that toxic locker room and continued to make history ,even if it´s with the heat

[@JADiaz10]

That shot saved a legacy. The step back perfectly without looking after the rebound to not be out of bounds or on the line… Truly amazing

[@homiefromfl]

LeBron scored 3s and other big buckets before he clunked that last attempt that led to Ray's 3. He was just as instrumental in saving his legacy as anyone else.

[@jynx464]

@@homiefromfldidn’t bron have a triple double that game too or something

[@girthatbirth]

bron played 50 min this game and brought them back from being down in the fourth he scored 16 straight buddy. . And he had 32 points. Ray had like 8 lol ray had 0 points in game 7…

[@girthatbirth]

@@jynx464yes 32 10 and like 12

[@nupc717]

ray allen always looks like he could fix my WIFI

[@jqest85]

Side Note:Gold PE 11’s casually sitting on the bookshelf is 🔥

[@KingWizard897]

(Spurs fan) I knew the series was over when Ray hit that shot, it was so heartbreaking but amazing to see, to me that was the game winning shot to end the series.

[@jrodconcertsmedia]

I was there. Upper level section 412. Thought about leaving when it looked dark but definitely glad i stayed. Dont think i’ll ever witness this ‘high’ as a sports fan again

[@zkid001]

Its kinda crazy how two of the most memorable collapses in nba historic moments were the Spurs. One of the most consistent teams ever Alluding to Tmac 13 pts in 33 seconds comeback win also vs Spurs

[@MarsofAritia]

tmac was on that spurs team too lol

[@ohsosantana93]

Beasley just said this too. The dudes that practice these shots and work on their games so much they know where the basket is at all times

[@larim4445]

2 marksmen talking about a shot is an educational piece that's highly entertaining

[@a.oh.k.9161]

Ray Allen was a true Professional in the game of Basketball.

[@aseponde]

Ray Ray shooting form is so beautiful!

[@fingfangfoom2399]

Perhaps the two purest shooting strokes of all time in one room.

[@des6890]

all time? Redick lol

[@TheTruthOverBS]

The greatest shot in nba history because of the moment and how he did it. The man back peddled to the 3, caught the ball and shot it and didn't even look down at all to see where his feet was

[@keanuhughes6392]

Man I’m 27 so younger than most, but that was the most amazing moment I have ever seen watching the NBA