"There were times when we were trying to figure everything out and what we needed to do and how we needed to proceed. But we always came back to each other as a team, and to finally win this and to prove we're the best team in the NBA this year, everything we went through was definitely worth it, and we know exactly what it takes to be the best."

But those on-court frustrations and challenges were nothing compared to the last three days for the 32-year-old veteran who, like Pierce and Garnett, got his first taste of ultimate victory on stage on the parquet of TD Banknorth Garden Tuesday night.

"It's not easy, but to be the best you have to give up a lot, and we gave up a lot but we definitely took a lot along the way," Allen said.

And with Walker in his arms, that taste of a championship was even sweeter for Ray Allen.

Congrats Boston