Allen Iverson uses his crossover to nail a shot over Tyronn Lue and then steps over him.
- Top NBA Finals Moments: Index
The Game: 2001 NBA Finals, Game 1
The Series Situation: Philadelphia 76ers against the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers
The Play: Allen Iverson utilized his trademark crossover dribble against Los Angeles Lakers guard Tyronn Lue, then stepped back and hit a fadeaway jumper as Lue fell down. Iverson then took an exaggerated step over Lue on his way back up the court.
The Significance: This play was an anointing of Iverson’s place among the all-time greats, and as much about the player as it was the play. Iverson had just turned in his lone MVP season, averaging a league-leading 31.1 ppg. Iverson then carried the Sixers to the NBA Finals for the first time in nearly two decades, and to many of Iverson’s fans, it seemed as if there were more appearances to come. Iverson finished the game with 48 points as the Sixers won in overtime, 107-101. The Lakers then won four straight games to win the title, and Iverson never made it back to the NBA Finals.
— From NBA.com Staff
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