| Sixers Reach the NBA Finals | |
Allen
Iverson and son at the post-game press conference
Sunday, June 3, 2001
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In a series that was marked not so much by the performance of league MVP Allen Iverson as by the individual efforts of the supporting cast of characters, the Philadelphia 76ers have defeated the Milwaukee Bucks four games to three to advance to the NBA Championship round.
In Sunday's post-game news conference, Milwaukee coach George Karl stormed from the room when asked if he regretted his pre-series comment that Sixer center Dikembe Mutombo would not be a factor in the games between the two teams.
In retrospect, it was the performance of Mutombo as well as lesser known players like Eric Snow and Raja Bell that has brought the 76ers to the brink of a long awaited NBA Championship.
Despite a broken ankle, Snow carried the team to victory in the all important game five in Milwaukee. Raja Bell came from nowhere to spark the team in game seven in Philadelphia.
The 76ers development from a one-man show featuring Allen Iverson to team of gritty and determined co-workers is the real story of the 2000-2001 season. Both sports writers and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada have recognized this metamorphosis by awarding numerous awards to members of this year's squad. Iverson was chosen as the league's Most Valuable Player. Mutombo was selected as NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Aaron McKie received the league's Sixth Man Award and coach Larry Brown was selected NBA Coach of the Year.
Now it's on to Los Angeles where the 76ers will face their greatest challenge, the Defending NBA Champion LA Lakers, winners of eleven straight playoff games. The Lakers are looking to continue their sweep through the post season.
The national media seems united in their belief that it's only a matter of time before the Lakers reclaim their crown. For those who have followed the 76ers during the 2000-2001 season, however, there is a strong belief that the 76ers can never be written off so quickly.
The 76ers split their season series with the Lakers losing 96-85 in Los Angeles on December 5, 2000 and winning at home on February 14, 2001 by the score of 112-97. For the 76ers to have any chance in this series, they will need to keep the high scoring Lakers below 100 points per game, as they did in the regular season.
NBA FINALS
(Best-of-seven)
LOS ANGELES VS. PHILADELPHIA
Wednesday, June 6
Philadelphia at Los Angeles, 9:00 p.m., NBC
Friday, June 8
Philadelphia at Los Angeles, 9:00 p.m., NBC
Sunday, June 10
Los Angeles at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m., NBC
Wednesday, June 13
Los Angeles at Philadelphia, 9:00 p.m., NBC
Friday, June 15
Los Angeles at Philadelphia, 9 p.m., NBC, if
necessary
Monday, June 18
Philadelphia at Los Angeles, 9 p.m., NBC, if
necessary
Wednesday, June 20
Philadelphia at Los Angeles, 9 p.m., NBC, if
necessary
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