What Allen Iverson told Tyronn Lue after the stepover in the 2001 NBA Finals: "I've been doing this all season long"
allen-iverson
Around 23 years ago, Allen Iverson created one of the most iconic moments in NBA Finals history with his legendary stepover in Game 1.
Right after witnessing this remarkable play, basketball fans around the world were either filled with excitement or left in awe. However, A.I. himself seemed pretty unfazed by it all. 4According to SLAM Magazine (Edition 54), he directly told the Lakers' Tyronn Lue, the unfortunate co-protagonist of the play, "I've been doing this all season long."
Epic showdown in L.A.
On June 6, 2001, an uneven Finals clash occurred in the City of Angels. The Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal-led Lakers, who were unbeaten in the playoffs, faced MVP Iverson and his Sixers, who had already battled through two grueling seven-game series. Safe to stay, the Philly team was not expected to have a real chance, which ultimately proved true.
However, in Game 1, 'The Answer,' averaging a staggering 32.9 points and 6.1 assists that postseason, single-handedly challenged that notion. By halftime against the Purple and Gold, A.I. had already scored 30 points, putting the underdogs in the lead. This led the legendary Lakers coach Phil Jackson to make a mid-third quarter change, subbing in Lue (now the Clippers' head coach) to try and stop Iverson.
The hallmark of the 2001 Finals
While Lue initially managed to disrupt the red-hot opposing playmaker, this fact is often overlooked today due to the famous play that followed.
In the corner, 'The Answer' had possession, being guarded by his primary defender. It followed a fake, a dribble forward towards the baseline, then back through the legs. As Allen rose up for the jumper, Tyronn awkwardly fell to the ground. Swish. A 4-point lead and a significant step towards the upset. This was followed by A.I. stepping over Lue, accompanied by a disdainful look and the highlighted words.
Ultimately, Game 1 ended in favor of Philadelphia, but Los Angeles later won the series 4-1. This would be Iverson's only Finals appearance, leaving him without a championship ring. However, A.I. didn't need an NBA title in his career to solidify his iconic status. Even without considering his 2001 MVP award, four scoring titles, and eleven All-Star appearances, Iverson's famous stepover alone would still legitimize him as a basketball icon.
All things considered, it's quite ironic that this iconic play, despite the Lakers ultimately winning the series, is often the first thing that comes to mind for many when nostalgically reflecting on the 2001 NBA Finals.