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.
In the 2004-05 season, the Sixers were looking to get back to the playoffs after not making it in a terrible 2003-04 season and it was coming down to the wire. They entered hostile territory for a matinee with the Boston Celtics on the road as the 8 seed in the East and they needed one for their playoff chances. So, they turned to their leader to get it done.
April 3, 2005
The Sixers needed this one. Not only to hold off the Orlando Magic who were nipping at their heels for the 8 seed, but they were also in the race for the Atlantic Division race as they were right there behind the Celtics in the division. Boston was playing good basketball led by Paul Pierce and Gary Payton and even though they were missing Antoine Walker, they still had a lot of firepower.
The Sixers were also missing Chris Webber so the odds were almost even. Allen Iverson then turned in another terrific performance as he went for 38 points, nine assists, six steals, and four assists to deliver a 97-93 win for Philadelphia. Iverson sealed the win with a jumper over Ricky Davis to win it for the Sixers.
It was a performance that frustrated the Celtics and had Boston coach Doc Rivers questioning his team. He told reporters afterward:
The playoffs have started for a lot of teams and we haven’t
joined in the fray. We really don’t get it. I’m telling you, we don’t.
The win helped spur the Sixers as they got into the playoffs, but they then ran into the defending champion Detroit Pistons. Even with Webber healthy for the series, it was not enough to seriously challenge Detroit. The Sixers were ousted in five quick games. [lawrence-related id=28748,28732,28724]