“It’s interesting how basketball’s such a team sport, but it’s governed by so many individual statistics,’’ Allen said. “I’m just grateful I’ve had great teammates, I’ve had great coaches, and I’ve had pretty good organizations, and that’s helped me be where I am today.’’

When he came to the Celtics in 2007, scoring was obviously less of an emphasis for him than it was earlier in his career with the Bucks and Sonics. But, he said, he learned early about the value of sharing over scoring.

“What I did learn, somewhere around my fourth or fifth year, is that the more I pass the ball, the more it’s going to come back to me,’’ said Allen, who finished with 18 points in the 104-102 victory.  “So that’s a philosophy that for a long time I’ve lived by.

“I’ve always been aware of the team. I’ve always been conscious of another player, trying to get him going, because I’ve always felt the game will gravitate towards me at some point.’’

More than anything else, that’s what makes me root for Ray.  He not only says the right things, but does the right things.

If you asked me, I’d have to say Ray Allen is the second classiest athlete there is, behind only Tiger Woods.

Then again, maybe he’s the very classiest.

On an unrelated note, I also reached a milestone today:  It was the first time I’ve ever used the word “classy” or a derivative of it more than five times in a single post.  I think I’ll take all the credit for myself, though.