2001 Sixers 10 Year Anniversary

As the Mavericks hoisted the NBA Finals trophy last week my mind slipped back to the 2001 Sixers team that captivated the city of Philadelphia in their exciting run to the finals. Philadelphia fell in love with Allen Iverson, Dikembe Mutumbo, Eric Snow and Aaron McKie as they put together one of the most memorable playoff runs in Philly sports history.

To get to the finals the Sixers beat the Indiana Pacers in the first round, and then beat both the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks in 7 games. Although I was only 9 years old at the time I was fortunate enough to attend Game 7 of the Toronto series, a game that I will never forget. The most memorable moment of that game was undoubtedly [Vince Carter’s shot]. The arena went dead silent as Carter’s shot at the buzzer arched through the air. When Carter’s shot finally rimmed out fans at the First Union Center burst into wild applause and cheers and I think someone spilled beer on me. But I didn’t care because the Sixers were heading to the Eastern Conference Finals where they would take on Ray Allen and the Milwaukee Bucks. Against the Bucks Iverson put together dazzling performances as the Sixers again won in 7 and would face the Lakers in the finals.

I’ll never forget the excitement of the city in the days leading up to the finals. Sixers flags on cars, Pat Croce jumping off bridges, and it seemed like everyone owned at least one Allen Iverson jersey. In the Finals the Sixers would have to take town Kobe Bryant, Shaqille O’Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers. Coming into the Finals the Lakers had swept everyone and looked unstoppable. But in Game 1 the Sixers “shocked the world” and beat the Lakers on the road 107-103 in overtime. The defining moment of the game and probably the whole Sixers playoff run was [Iverson’s shot over Tyrone Lou]. Iverson’s hit a big fadeaway jumper in front of the Lakers’ bench and then proceeded to step over the fallen Lou. But Kobe and Shaq were just too much to handle and the Lakers went on to win the finals in 5 games.

Although the Sixers ultimately fell short there was something special about that team. Whether it was the amazing 50 plus point performances of Iverson, the valiant defensive efforts of Dikembe Mutumbo, or the smooth play of Eric Snow Philadelphia loved that team. The Sixers didn’t bring a parade to this city but they did put up a great effort against the Lakers. That Game 1 victory prevented the Lakers from sweeping straight through the playoffs and it was a true special moment for the Sixers. This is the 10 year anniversary of the Sixers heroic playoff run, a run that I know I will never forget. Overall the 2001 Sixers will forever be remembered as one of the best teams in Philadelphia sports history.