Allen Iverson Career High 60pts vs the Orlando Magic 04/05

Three-time scoring champ hits career high Allen Iverson gave the crowd an electrifying performance to remember. Then the fans returned the favor with raucous ovations he won't soon forget. "That's when you get the goose bumps," Iverson said. "You honestly don't really feel it when the shots are going down. You don't ever get the goose bumps until the fans start to appreciate what you're doing out there." The Philadelphia star scored 60 points, a career high and the most in the NBA this season, to lead the 76ers to a 112-99 victory over the Orlando Magic on Saturday night. Iverson, averaging an NBA-leading 29.7 points, was 17-of-36 from the field and made 24 of 27 free throws. His previous high was 58 against Houston on Jan. 15, 2002. "I score a career high and we won the game," Iverson said. "That's how you draw it up in your dreams." It was the first 60-point game in the NBA since Tracy McGrady scored 62 for Orlando against Washington on March 10, 2004, Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal had the previous high in the NBA this season, scoring 55 points against Milwaukee on Jan. 4. Iverson, who had 54- and 51-point performances in consecutive games in December, also had the fourth-highest total in 76ers' history, behind only Wilt Chamberlain. Iverson scored 29 points in the first half, banging and crashing all over the court while helping the 76ers turn it into a rout. After Orlando went on a mini-run in the third that cut a 25-point deficit to 11, Iverson hit a 3-pointer from the right side as time expired to reach 40. Then Iverson earned a standing ovation for points 50 and 51. He stole the ball and was fouled hard on a layup attempt, slamming against the floor as he seemingly always does. The crowd erupted and stood in appreciation for Iverson, who went to the line and made a couple of free throws. It was the same for points 59 and 60 -- two more free throws. The fans were on their feet each time Iverson had the ball in the fourth quarter, giving a routine game the feel of a Game 7. "When they're up, when they're making noise and they're feeling good, that makes you feel good, that makes you feel good about people coming out to see you," Iverson said. "It's something they might remember and cherish for the rest of their lives." The game certainly left an impression on Sixers coach Jim O'Brien. "I've never witnessed a performance like this," O'Brien said. "This is the greatest performance I've ever witnessed." Iverson was consistent from the start, scoring 17 points in the first quarter, 12 in the second, 11 in the third, and 20 in the fourth. Eleven of his fourth-quarter points came from the line. "It was just attacking, attacking, attacking all night," Iverson said. "I guess that's why I went to the free-throw line as much as I did. I didn't settle for jump shots." The 76ers pulled within one game of Boston for the Atlantic Division lead and are one game under .500 (25-26). They haven't been at .500 since they were 6-6 on Nov. 26 and haven't had a winning record since they were 4-2 on Nov. 14. Maybe Philadelphia needs more 40-point games from Iverson -- the 76ers are 5-1 when he reaches that mark this season. Iverson also had his ninth 50-point regular-season game. He's scored 50-plus three times in the playoffs. Corliss Williamson added 18 points for the 76ers. He started in place of Kenny Thomas, sidelined by a back injury. Steve Francis scored 32 points for the Magic, and Grant Hill had 16. "It was one of those nights from a superstar performer," said Magic coach Johnny Davis, who coached Iverson in his rookie season (1996-97). "We had different defenders on him all night. He just had a dominant game."

Channel: Sports
Uploaded: November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am
Author: pennyccw

Length: 07:24
Rating: 4.81
Views: 185542

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