"Anyone who has ever fought their way back to work after battling flu-like symptoms can appreciate what Ray Allen went through to get back on the basketball court for the Celtics.

After illness forced him to miss the Celtics' 89-70 romp over the Nets Wednesday, Allen wanted to make sure he was completely comfortable before returning for last night's home game against the Pacers.

The only way Allen could be certain of that was by breaking a sweat.

"I felt more winded during the day,'' Allen said after his game-high 23 points on 7-for-11 shooting (4 of 5 from the 3-point arc) went for naught in an 87-74 loss.

"That's why when I came in during the morning, I made sure that I got that wind by running on the treadmill and getting my shots up this morning and this afternoon,'' he said. "I felt good and I was tired, but by game time I was back in my element.''"