Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson celebrated his 46th birthday on Monday as the Sixers are trying to make the NBA Finals for the first time since he took the team on a magical run in 2001. The Sixers are the No. 1 seed in the East and they lost Game 1 of their second-round series just as Iverson’s Sixers did 20 years ago.
Iverson delivered an incredible run of great performances to bring the Sixers within three wins of an NBA title that season. The mark he left on the franchise during his career is undeniable.
As he celebrated his birthday, young second-year guard Matisse Thybulle discussed the importance of Iverson to Philadelphia’s franchise.
“The legend of Allen Iverson is just so huge,” he started. “It’s funny, I’m gonna go on a little tangent here, but one of the knocks that people make on Philly is like the most famous athlete from Philly isn’t even real and they’re all referring to Rocky.”
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Thybulle was referring to Rocky Balboa, a fictional movie character played by actor Sylvester Stallone, who was an underdog boxer from Philadelphia. There is even a statue of Rocky in front of the Philadelphia art museum.
However, Iverson’s feats on the basketball court are incredible and he needs to be celebrated as such. He is a legend in both the city of Philadelphia and in the NBA.
“Being a Sixer, you realize how big of an impact Iverson’s had on this city and this team and in the legacy of this team and what it means to be a Sixer today,” Thybulle added. “We have a lot to thank him for that. Happy birthday, AI.”
The Sixers look to bounce back against the Atlanta Hawks in Game 2 of the series on Tuesday.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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