Leaving a Mark in the Record Books
by Jeff Wilson

          NBA SINGLE-GAME PLAYOFF BESTS                
1.  M. Jordan      Chi at Bo         4/20/86  63 (2OT) 
2.  E. Baylor      LA  at Bos        4/14/62  61       
3.  W. Chamberlain Phi vs Syr at Phi 3/22/62  56       
    M. Jordan      Chi at Mia  　　　4/29/92           
    C. Barkley     Pho at GSe　　　  5/4/94            
6.  A. Iverson     Phi vs NO   　　　4/20/03　55       
    R. Barry       SF  vs Phi   　ꄠ 4/18/67           
    M. Jordan      Chi vs Cle  　　　5/1/88            
    M. Jordan      Chi vs Pho  　　　6/16/93           
    M. Jordan      Chi vs Was  　　　4/27/97           
10. A. Iverson     Phi vs Tor        5/9/01   54       
    J. Havilcek    Atl vs Bos  　　　4/1/73            
    M. Jordan      Chi vs NY   　　　5/31/93           
(Iverson also had 52 points vs. Toronto on 5/16/01) 

Allen Iverson left quite a mark on the NBA record books when he scored 55
points in Game One of the 2003 NBA Playoffs against New Orleans. As the
76ers practiced Monday afternoon at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic
Medicine, many of the players, coaches and media members discussed Iverson’s
showing and looked ahead at what is to come.

“I think it was a big-game performance from a big-game player,” said
backcourt mate Aaron McKie. “I was in awe of the performance, but at the
same time, that is something that he brings to the table.”

“For me, I’m sitting here watching this little kid go off, and I put myself
in the other players’ shoes,” said Head Coach Larry Brown. “They are all
probably sitting there saying, ‘I hope he shoots.’ He’s making unbelievable
plays. I think we all got just standing around and just watching. That truly
was one of the great performances you will ever see.”

Iverson’s gritty performance helped many players settle into the unfamiliar
atmosphere of the NBA Playoffs. With four players on the Sixers roster
entering this postseason without playoff experience, and three others making
their first playoff appearance in a 76ers uniform, the squad aims to become
more relaxed as the series progresses.

“I was kind of surprised, but some of our guys looked like they were a
little nervous. Some of them told me they were,” said Brown. “Hopefully,
that will take care of itself.”

“We got excited in the back before we even came out onto the floor. We were
back there jumping around, having fun and talking,” said McKie. “As soon as
those guys came out there and felt the energy of the crowd, immediately it
was like, ‘wow, I guess this is what you were all talking about - playoff
basketball.’ The fans make you aware of how important playoffs are.”

The raucous towel-waving First Union Center throng impressed the team Sunday
night. Another home game Wednesday evening should give the Sixers an edge
before heading to New Orleans for Game Three.

“The crowd was great. We haven’t had this kind of atmosphere in a long
time,” Brown said. “Last night’s crowd was the best we’ve had all year,
by far. It was something that I think enabled us to win the game, to be
honest. But some guys hadn’t been in the playoffs before, and especially
here.”

Top 5 Franchise Scoring Performances in the NBA Playoffs 
A. Iverson     Phi vs NO   4/20/03  55   W  98-90        
A. Iverson     Phi vs Tor  5/9/01   54   W  97-92        
A. Iverson     Phi vs Tor  5/16/01  52   W 121-88        
B. Cunningham  Phi vs Mil  4/1/70   50   L 118-111       
A. Iverson     Phi  @ LAL  6/6/01   48   W 107-101 (OT)  

“That energy from the crowd was incredible,” said Keith Van Horn, a member
of last season’s Eastern Conference Champion New Jersey Nets. “I haven’t
seen that much energy from the crowd since I was a senior in college. It’s
a great atmosphere. Our fans have been great all year long and have supported
us all year long. Obviously, they took it to a whole other level last night.”

Though Iverson’s phenomenal showing was the center of attention Monday
morning, the Sixers had to focus on what the second game of the series with
the Hornets will bring. The 76ers are not quite sure what to expect Wednesday
night, but they are prepared to see what the Hornets show them and make
adjustments as necessary. Clearly, one of New Orleans’ main tasks will be
shutting down Iverson. That seems to be fine with the Sixers.

“Obviously, you try to figure out what they are going to do,” said Brown
of the Hornets. “I would think the tendency for them is to try to take the
ball out of Allen’s hands. Everybody else is going to be open. I think we
are all aware of that. We are trying to show people what opportunities could
present themselves so they are inclined to get themselves open and be a
threat.”

“I don’t think there are going to be too many games where the three of us
combine for 11 points,” Van Horn said, commenting on the first-game totals
of Derrick Coleman, Kenny Thomas and himself. “Not in this series or the
rest of the playoffs.”

Most 50 Point Performances in the Playoffs  
M. Jordan      - 8
W. Chamberlain - 4
A. Iverson     - 3
J. West        - 2