
No conversation about the greatest NBA players is complete without a mention of Allen Iverson. Known as “The Answer,” Iverson is a legendary player, a hip-hop icon, and a key figure who brought Black culture into the spotlight of basketball. Here are 15 defining moments in the career of Allen Iverson.
1996: The Journey Begins

Allen Iverson, a young point guard, was chosen by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996. Iverson was already voted the All-American player during his sophomore year, due to his innate ability to shoot and add points to the board. His association with the 76ers further changed his life and the game forever.
Iverson vs. Jordan

A 1997 match between Iverson’s 76ers and Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls has become among sports history’s most unforgettable moments. The match turned into a nail-biter when the two players went up against each other on the court. Despite Jordan’s best efforts, Iverson left him flailing with a crossover.
The 1997 Rookie Challenge

Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash were some of the future basketball stars launched during the 1997 Rookie Challenge. However, even their game paled in comparison to Allen Iverson. Iverson’s all-round play earned him the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) with 9 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals
Victory in Loss

Even though the 76ers lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a playoff game, Iverson dazzled the audience with his skills. He scored 50 points out of the 125-188 tally. This achievement was especially notable since he dropped 50 after scoring more than 40 points in the last four games.
Rookie of the Year

The MVP title was not all Iverson won in his first year. Allen Iverson was also awarded the Rookie of the Year Award in 1997. The honor was well-deserved because Iverson gave historic performances in five games straight where he went on to score over 40 points.
The 1999 Scoring Title

Iverson, with an average of 26.8 points in the 1998-99 season, was awarded the scoring title. Only in his third season, he managed to lead his team, the 76ers, to the playoffs. He performed spectacularly against the Spurs in February, with 46 points to his name.
Iverson Steals the Game

Iverson’s first playoff game in 1999 became among his most significant. Playing against the Orlando Magic, he scored 33 points and led the team to a 97-85 victory. Iverson also set a record with 10 steals during a single game, showcasing his defensive skills and determination on the court.
The Road to the Final

The 2001 NBA season put Iverson on the map. Regardless of a fabulous performance from the Milwaukee Bucks, Iverson led the team to victory with a 108-91 lead. Iverson, with 44 points to his name, along with the 76ers, had a shot at the NBA final for the first time after 1982-83.
MVP. Part 2

Despite their loss in the 2001 NBA finals, Iverson was given the title of MVP. Iverson became the first member of the 76ers to win this award after Moses Malone in 1983. In this match, Iverson stunned audiences with a 31.1 point average and 2.5 steals per game.
The “Practice” Rant

Iverson’s biggest controversy wasn’t until 2002, during a press conference in Philadelphia. Filled with the repeated use of the word “practice,” the rant was immensely criticized by the media. Even after the many career highs before and after this controversy, Iverson came to be defined by it.
The Fall of the Hornets

He scored 55 points to give among his best performances at a playoff game against the New Orleans Hornets in 2005. He was able to shoot over 66% from the field. This high score has been topped only by Michael Jordan, Rick Barry, and Wilt Chamberlain
Magic Against the Wizards

During the 2005 season, Iverson changed the fate of the 76ers in an early-season game against the Washington Wizards. With just 3.3 seconds left and both teams tied at 114 points, he used an impound pass to dunk the ball to win the game.
Orlando Magic 2005

Remembered as Iversons’s most extraordinary performance, the game against Orlando Magic in 2005 set him on the path to glory. He managed to score 60 points along with 6 assists and 5 steals. The 76ers won the game with 112 points, and Iverson became the star of the show.
2005 All-Star Game

Iversons’s tryst with the title of MVP didn’t end in 2001. The Eastern Conference, which he was a part of, won the game 125-115. Iverson himself scored 15 points along with 10 assists and 5 steals. As a result of his spectacular performance, he was voted All-Star MVP.
To the Denvers and Back

Iverson was traded to the Denver Nuggets as per his wish in the fall of 2006. He gave a statement explaining that a change would be beneficial for everybody involved. However, three years later, he rejoined the 76ers and returned as a humbler team player who prioritized the team’s success over his own.