1. The Step Over in 2001
The Sixers’ NBA Finals run in 2001 — which reached a peak in their Game 1 victory over L.A. — was highlighted by one play more than anything else. In overtime, after Tyronn Lue spent the second half putting clamps on Iverson, the latter uncorked the ultimate blend of skill, flash and disrespect.
Iverson scored 48 points in the Sixers’ lone win, but 30 of those points came in the first half. After halftime, when Lue was given the task of chasing Iverson, the reigning MVP struggled to find his rhythm.
In OT, though, Lue’s strong defensive performance was rendered virtually irrelevant. Few remember how effective Lue was; they only remember The Step Over. The most iconic move in Iverson’s incredible 14-year career.
Dribbling in the corner, Iverson made a hard move right, driving toward the baseline before stopping and drilling a nasty stepback jumper. Lue tumbled to the ground in his failed attempt to defend the shot, allowing Iverson the opportunity to emphatically step over his defeated counterpart.
The Sixers went on to win the game, with Iverson’s 48 points leading all scorers. The Lakers won the next four contests, but for a brief moment, Iverson was on top — and his legacy, even without a Finals victory, cemented.
Now, 17 years later, Lue’s career is associated with the step over. Iverson was big enough to define someone else’s career with his talent, skill and antics. One play, in many ways, encapsulated two legacies.
That’s a sign of stardom.