As one of the most explosive scorers in NBA history, Tracy McGrady enjoyed a career filled with incredible highlights. However, there were a few moments in which T-Mac found himself on the wrong end of a poster. One specific incident that stands out vividly in McGrady's memory was the time Ray Allen , another NBA legend, dunked on him hard during a game.
According to McGrady, it happened during Game 3 of the Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks' first-round duel. He dominated everybody and finished with a game-high 42 points to lead the Magic to a 121-116 win. However, on that fateful play, it was Allen who got the better of him.
"Listen, it's been one or two times in my career where I've been dunked on. Game 3, back in 2001 [playoffs]. I had 42 in this game, by the way… [but] He got me… I'm still having nightmares of it, Ray-Ray!" McGrady said on ESPN.
T-Mac isn't salty about it at all
McGrady was never one to discredit those who beat him during his time. In fact, he recognizes Allen's monster dunk on him, though a bit disrespectful, as a sensational display of athletic prowess that would be talked about for years.
Looking back at his embarrassing NBA moment, T-Mac felt no bitterness toward Ray-Ray. If anything, the two-time NBA scoring champion was even proud to say that he was posterized by one of his fellow Hall of Famers.
"For sure [I'm proud of it]. I admit. I got dunked on by Ray Allen," T-Mac confided.
T-Mac always knew what Allen could do
Towards the end of his illustrious career, Allen made a name for himself as one of the greatest shooters of all time. However, McGrady once reminded audiences of Ray-Ray's multifaceted scoring arsenal and emphasized that the two-time NBA champion's legacy should extend beyond just remarkable three-point shooting.
"People forget how good he was before he was with Miami and in Boston because he turned into just a jump shooter by circumstances," McGrady once said of Allen. "When he was with Milwaukee, this dude did everything. Shooting, coming off the dribble shooting, making plays, he did all of that. He was a guy that can score in a variety of ways."
In conclusion, McGrady's recognition of Allen's all-around scoring ability speaks volumes about his respect for his peers. Moreover, T-Mac discussing the time Ray-Ray dunked on him on national TV like that is a testament to his sportsmanship and humility.
Related: "I was never thinking that I was a three-point shooter" - Ray Allen on why he always considered himself a 'slasher'
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