2. A.I.’s stepover in 2001 Finals
The Sixers’ 2001 NBA Finals appearance didn’t yield a championship, but it did provide Philadelphia with several fond memories — most of which pertain to Allen Iverson, arguably the city’s most emblematic star.
Facing the vaunted Los Angeles Lakers, the Sixers were significant underdogs. Los Angeles hadn’t lost coming into the series and some expected their streak to continue. Iverson willed the opposite true, putting together a dominant Game 1 performance that ended in a Sixers victory.
Iverson scored 48 points on the road, using his shifty handles and elite shot-making to carve up the Lakers’ defense. It would end up being the Lakers’ only loss, but it was impressive nonetheless. The Sixers weren’t nearly as deep, but Iverson alone was enough to snatch one win.
It wasn’t a seamless 48 points, though. In the second half, the Lakers applied pressure to Iverson in the form of Tyronn Lue — a scrappy reserve whose one-on-one defense momentarily slowed Iverson down.
The game would end up going to overtime, where Iverson regained his footing and closed out the game. Lue, however, lost his footing. As Iverson swished a game-sealing fadeaway in the final minute, Lue tumbled to the ground. Iverson stepped over the future Cleveland Cavaliers coach, signifying his superior status and the Sixers’ arrival on the biggest stage.
Iverson meant an incredible amount to both the Sixers and the City of Philadelphia, both for his on-court work and his personality. He’s without a doubt the most popular Sixer to date, setting the tone for the franchise at the turn of the century. Dr. J, Wilt and Moses were all great, but Iverson — in his own unique manner — put his thumbprint on the city.