The best memory of their 2001 NBA Finals run remains glowing in the minds of the Philadelphia 76ers fans, and Ty Lue can’t be more hilariously irritated when they bring up this golden moment in the past which is connected with Allen Iverson.
On Monday, the now L.A. Clippers coach revealed that whenever he visits Philadelphia, the Sixers fans always remind him of the famous step-over made by Iverson against him in their feisty matchup of the Finals series.
“I hated going there, they talked so much stuff. 20 years later, they still let me hear it. … But it’s alright. Part of the game.”
Iverson, the Most Valuable Player of the 2000-01 season, boldly carried the entire city of Philadelphia towards the championship stage, but what awaited them was an invincible Los Angeles Lakers team led by both Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant that is yet to take an inflicting postseason loss.
Even before they entered the Finals arena for Game 1, the Sixers faced towering odds, but Iverson willed them through adversity. His step-over against Lue in the tight overtime duel of the series opener served as the everlasting image of his 48-point masterpiece and greatness by slapping the said Lakers team its one and only defeat throughout their playoff run.
Amid hecklings that he is receiving up to these days, Lue can still boast that he got the last laugh, as he and Los Angeles went on to become victors of the series to clinch their second-straight title.
