The NBA has had its share of thrillers and unforgettable performances. From the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 comeback to the triple-overtime battle between the Celtics and Suns in 1976, the league has delivered moments that stopped the world in its tracks.
But when it comes to legendary games, the 2013 Finals stand out, not just for the Miami Heat, but also for Ray Allen. Known for his clutch 3-pointers, Allen may have hit the biggest shot of his career in Game 6, helping the Heat spoil the San Antonio Spurs’ celebration and setting the stage for a title-clinching Game 7 win.
A Flashback to Ray Allen’s Wondrous 3-Pointer With Five Seconds to Go
The Spurs were seconds away from what would have been their fifth NBA title. They’d dominated all season and had a reputation for closing out games with precision. Up 3-2 in the series and leading in Game 6, they looked ready to finish off Miami.
With 28 seconds left, Manu Ginobili missed one of two free throws. That miss opened the door.
The Heat responded with two huge offensive rebounds. With 20 seconds left, LeBron James nailed a 25-foot 3-pointer off a pass from Mike Miller. With 12 seconds on the clock, James missed another 3-pointer, but Chris Bosh grabbed the rebound and kicked it out to Ray Allen.
Allen took a step back into the right corner and launched a 3-pointer from a tight angle. It dropped, and the Heat bench exploded.
“Rebound Bosh, back out to Allen, his 3-pointer…BANG!”
On this day in 2013, Ray Allen hit one of the most clutch shots in NBA history to tie up Game 6 of the Finals 🤯
(via @NBAHistory)
pic.twitter.com/yhJgEIH1De— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 18, 2025
The shot sent the game to overtime, but the momentum had already swung. The Heat, fueled by Ginobili’s missed free throw and Allen’s heroics, were locked in.
Kawhi Leonard briefly gave the Spurs a lead in OT, but Bosh tied it.
Leonard then hit a nine-footer to make it 99-96, and Tony Parker split a pair of free throws to push it to 100-96. Allen cut it to 100-99, and James followed with a seven-foot jumper to give the Heat their first OT lead at 101-100. Allen later added two free throws to seal the 103-100 win for Miami.
A Glance at Ray Allen’s Overall 2012-13 Season
Ray Allen played a key role for the Heat in 2012-13. He played in 79 games, mostly off the bench, and averaged 14.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.
His 18-year NBA career had its ups and downs. He spent his first seven seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he rose to stardom. He later played five seasons with the Boston Celtics, staying in the spotlight throughout.
Ray Allen leaves Boston and wins a NBA championship with the Miami Heat
Brad Marchand leaves Boston and wins a Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers
Smartest decisions of their careers. pic.twitter.com/vOrKS5Hq4g— 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 (@WadexFlash) June 18, 2025
His connection with LeBron James was key. The Heat’s offensive core that year, James, Allen, Chris Bosh, and Mario Chalmers, was electric.
In Game 7, the Heat beat the Spurs 95-88 in a tight, low-scoring battle to claim their second straight title.