Allen, Pierce work their magic again

They’ve run the play so many times, in so many situations.

“Sometimes the shot goes in, sometimes it doesn’t,’’ said Celtics guard Ray Allen.

Sometimes Paul Pierce keeps it for himself, the way he did against the Knicks in December. He got a screen from Kevin Garnett, shifted his way to his sweet spot, and hit a winner over Amar’e Stoudemire.

Sometimes Pierce will look for the dish. That’s how it worked out last night when he swung the ball to Allen, who drilled a 3-pointer from 24 feet out with 11.6 seconds left to seal the Celtics’ 87-85 win over the Knicks in Game 1.

“There are so many different options off that play that we went to and we knew exactly what to expect,’’ Allen said. “We don’t predetermine. It’s a play that has so many options and tonight I was just the option.’’

Allen ended the regular season without any rhythm. There were nights like March 19 in New Orleans when he’d knock down 7 of 13 shots and score 20 points. Then, there were nights like the one a week later against Charlotte when he’d miss 7 of 9 and the Celtics would lose.

“You guys have been asking me for a couple of weeks about me shooting the ball and I said rhythm,’’ Allen said. “It’s all about rhythm.’’

He scored a team-high 24 points last night, drilling 9 of his 15 shots, and 3 of his 5 3-pointers.

“He was just aggressive all game,’’ said coach Doc Rivers. “He did it right away, that was nice.’’