That Ray Allen shot

More than 50 days after it had broken the hearts of the San Antonio Spurs on June 19, 2013, that Ray Allen shot in Game 6 of this year's National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals has remained stuck in my head.

In Game 6 of the best of 7 series, the San Antonio Spurs was leading 3-2 against the Miami Heat.

Down three points with less than 10 seconds left, the Heat trailed the Spurs, 95-92. The title was on the line. LeBron James had just missed a 3-pointer; Chris Bosh got the crucial rebound and quickly passed the ball to Ray Allen.

The clock was ticking. Allen received the ball at the corner, backpedaled to the 3-point line, and took a shot that he'd been doing all season long. Tony Parker tried but was a step late in covering the veteran shooter.

Allen had the perfect view and, boom, made the perfect shot that tied the game at 95. The time left was 5.2 seconds. It was that close. Allen had just saved James and the Heat from the brink of elimination.

So close that the Spurs had begun jumping in celebration. A yellow rope had been put around the perimeter for the new NBA Champions. Balloons were about to fill the AmericanAirlines Arena, home court of the Heat.

If only Ray Allen missed the 3-pointer, the Spurs would have been NBA Champions again since last winning the title in 2007 against the then 22-year-old LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers.

It would have been the second humiliation of James in the hands of the Spurs, who annihilated his Cavaliers 4-0. The title would have been a fitting tribute to the basketball legend of the 37-year-old Tim Duncan.

During the replay on TV, the Miami crowd in white shirts was seen with eyes wide open, waiting in anticipation. Worries were written all over their faces as the ball slowly traveled from the hands of Allen to the ring.

As the ball sunk in, the crowd erupted. They shouted and raised their fists in victory. Never mind if the game was still tied at 95. Magical moments in sports like the one Allen created gave the fans excitement that they would remember for a long time.

People own those moments, and words could only remind them of the rapid heartbeats that they had as they watched James attacking the basket or Allen throwing that 3-point dagger.

Where was I during that special moment? I was in bed but got up when Allen made the vintage shot. I shouted, relieved of the impending loss. If diving into the TV set could bring me to South Florida, I could have done it. I wanted to jump with the Miami crowd and witnessed the euphoric moment.

Yet today I am still confused of the “tactical brilliance” of Gregg Popovich when he pulled out his superstar and best rebounder in Tim Duncan during those crucial seconds in Game 6. Anyway, as a Heat fan, I've been thankful.

The celebration of the Miami Heat as the 2013 NBA Champions brings back other memories of celebration. I miss the Pacquiao fights and his victories that united us all. Bring on the Pacman!