During an appearance on Everything But The Chip: The 2001 76ers, Allen Iverson delved into one of the most iconic moments in NBA history that is seared into the brains of fans to this day. The documentary about his 01’ Philadelphia squad that made the Finals premiered on Wednesday night and Iverson discussed his famed step over Tyronn Lue in Game 1 vs. the Lakers.
“I can’t tell you what the feeling was like. I can’t duplicate it. I was in the moment,” Iverson said. “I just know he fell in front of me, I don’t know how I even thought about stepping over him like that—I was just playing basketball.”
“I can’t tell you what the feeling was like… I was in the moment.”
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 1, 2023
Allen Iverson on his iconic "step over" & Game 1 performance in the 2001 NBA Finals pic.twitter.com/0o1tQxGgGQ
The 2001 season was a legendary one for Philadelphia and Iverson. It was the last time the 76ers made the Finals and was the best season of Iverson’s career, for which he was named league MVP. Unfortunately for him, he ran into the dynasty in the making. Los Angeles was an absurd 11–0 during those playoffs before the Finals thanks to the tandem of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, but the guard shocked the world in Game 1.
Iverson torched the Lakers for 48 points in 52 minutes of action and led his team to an incredible 107–101 overtime win. Iverson’s famed step-back and step-over on Lue during that game was the signature moment of his career.
Los Angeles went on to win the next four games and their second NBA title in a row. The 76ers didn’t get the ‘chip, but they’ll always have Game 1.
