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 edition takes us back to 1997 when a rookie Allen Iverson announced his arrival on the scene and let everybody know that he is going to be a star in this league. The Sixers were struggling through a tough season as they continued their rebuild so the playoffs were not an option, but they knew they had something special in the 6-foot guard from Georgetown.
April 12, 1997
The Sixers were in Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers and they entered the game with a 21-56 record. They were just playing out the schedule while the Cavs were still in the midst of fighting for a playoff spot. So, in this case, Iverson went to work.
The rookie dropped a cool 50 points on 17-for-32 shooting with five rebounds, six assists, and two steals, but Philadelphia fell to the Cavs on this night 125-118 on the road. Iverson’s light obviously shone bright and it announced to everybody, that he is here and he’s here to stay.
Iverson would go on to win Rookie of the Year after the Sixers finished up a 22-60 season. He averaged 23.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds as a rookie which would set up a Hall of Fame career. [lawrence-related id=29243,29235,29225]