Iverson Returns, Sixers Outlast Nuggets in Memorable Night

It can be said with little argument that last night's game against the Nuggets was the most anticipated Sixers game not only since Iverson's trade, but in the past 4 years. During that time the Sixers haven't exactly been contending so there was little else to look forward to. I could not wait for this game to arrive, having bought my tickets before the season even started and just imagining what it would be like to welcome back the player that gave us so many memories. For those who saw what happened last night, you know that what transpired what something memorable, special, and transcended all of the hype around it.

Iverson took the podium before the game and addressed the media about his time as a Sixer and how he grew up and matured and even regrets some of his past decisions and actions. He even went so far as to admit he could have changed his attitude and possibly never been traded. That's water under the bridge at this point. I was in the arena about 45 minutes before the tip and the place was crazy. Everyone including myself had dusted off their Iverson jerseys for one more go-around. It was great and reminded you of the playoffs years ago when he was MVP and the arena was packed for the games. The tone for the fans was set when the first thing Iverson did, upon taking the court for shoot-around, was kiss the Sixers' midcourt logo. That was special. That showed how much he respected his time in a Philadelphia uniform. Fans had signs, cheered while he made shots in warmups, and chanted "I-ver-son". He even had a message on his shoes for the fans - Thanks Philadelphia. I wanted to be there for every minute to capture the feeling in the arena. One more time I was able to take myself back to when we'd wait for him to light it up. Then came the pregame intros...

Iverson was announced first and the crowd was the loudest I've heard it in several years. It was nice to see him walk around and wave and acknowledge the fans. Then he did what I secretly was hoping he would do...cup his hand to his ear one more time like he used to and beckon the crowd. The noise got even louder and it gave me chills to witness. I also was happy he approached Cheeks to say hi and put to rest any ideas they are on bad terms. Now onto the game, and what a great one it was...

The fans still mildly cheered for Iverson as the game began. The real person doing the damage to us however was Kenyon Martin. He seemed to have every basket and I was getting worried that Evans couldn't contain him. The score was close for most of the game with a 10 point swing being the greatest. That's what happens when it becomes all offense though. Flash ahead to the 4th and how the crowd was rocking and cheering for the Sixers. The Denver fans in the house got the Sixers' fans riled up even more. Quite a dramatic ending that included three game-changing plays: Thad Young's offensive rebound with under two minutes to play (you knew I'd mention him), Dalembert's repeat block of Carmelo Anthony on the baseline, and Andre Miller's basket-and-foul shot. Iverson came down to bury a 3 to tie the game but then one of the highlights of the season occurred. Iguodala drove the lane, got spun, and threw the ball up behind him toward the basket, no shot of it going in. Dalembert was right there to miraculously catch it and drop it in and put the Sixers up 2. It was truly amazing. Nuggets had the ball at the end and got off about 3 shots before Iguodala pulled down and fought for a big rebound to clinch the game. It felt like a playoff win. It was really the only way to make the night truly special - to capitalize on the large crowd and emotion and ride it to victory. The Sixers are .500! If it weren't for the Wizards winning close games too we'd be in the 5 spot. That's amazing to think about. Just have to bear down and keep this going and all the chips will fall into place. I've gone to more games than I can count in my life and last night, in terms of overall experience, has to rank in the top 5.