5 greatest moments of Allen Iverson’s career
By Brad Weiss
1. Iverson’s 48 leads Sixers to Game 1 victory in 2001 NBA Finals
It has been 15 years almost to the day since Iverson truly established himself as an all-time great player. In 2001, the Sixers had made an unbelievable run to the NBA Finals, the franchise’s first appearance since winning their last title in 1983. Standing in their way of capturing the trophy were the Los Angeles Lakers, who were fresh off a title the year before.
The Lakers possessed two of the best players in the game, as Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant had joined forces to dominate the NBA. Los Angeles came into the game as heavy favorites to sweep Philadelphia, and were playing Game 1 in their building. Everyone was counting on a Lakers victory, except for Allen Iverson, the league’s Most Valuable Player.
The most memorable highlight of the game was dubbed “The Stepover”, as Iverson shook Lakers guard Tyrone Lue with a killer crossover, drained the jumper, and then stepped over Lue who had fallen to the ground.
When the dust had settled, the Sixers star had gone off for 48 points, stunning the home crowd and giving Philadelphia a 107-101 overtime victory. It was the first loss of the playoffs for the Lakers, and would end up being their last. The Lakers would go on to win the next four games, winning their second of three consecutive championships.
Next: SI Kids: GALLERY: Within Reach — Athletes Mentoring Athletes
Most NBA fans only remember Iverson’s 48 in a game that was the highest rated Finals game until this year’s Game 1 surpasses it. For Iverson, his legacy was cemented. He stared down the best team in the NBA with a sub-par cast of characters around him and won on their court. It was just another glaring example of one of the best players the game has ever seen.
For more NBA news, you can visit our NBA hub page.