With the NBA in an indefinite hiatus due to COVID-19, we continue our day-by-day look back at the history of the Philadelphia 76ers. We continue down our path into Sixers history every day as we look to fill the void left by the absence of basketball.
This one takes everybody back to 2001 when the Sixers hosted the Toronto Raptors in Game 7 with the right to go to the Eastern Conference Finals on the line. The entire series was a battle for the ages as Allen Iverson and Vince Carter would battle it out and exchange body blows the whole series. With a chance to advance on the line, Philadelphia would need to turn to others to help their MVP leader.
May 20, 2001
The First Union Center was rocking. The city of Philadelphia knew what was on the line and they came out in full force to support their team. Carter had been a monster all series and Toronto had proven veterans such as Antonio Davis and Alvin Williams who would give them issues in this one. However, Philadelphia’s supporting cast would step up to the plate in this one.
Iverson would struggle from the floor shot just 8-for-27 to score his 21 points, but Aaron McKie really stepped up in a big way scoring 22 points and seven rebounds and Jumaine Jones scored 16 to help Philadelphia win it 88-87. The win only advanced them to the Eastern Conference Finals, but it felt like a huge win that the Sixers really needed.
Their opponent would be the Milwaukee Bucks led by Ray Allen so Philadelphia will have to be ready for a battle in the next round as well. [lawrence-related id=31252,31244][vertical-gallery id=31260]