News, Notes, and Quotes - April 13, 2005

Each Wednesday, Sixers.com will compile news, notes and quotes from Sixers players and coaches from the week and games to give a mid-week report on the happenings on the court.

posted April 13, 2005

Allen Iverson elevates high to grab the rebound against Boston on April 12, 2005. Jesse D. Garrabrant /NBAE/Getty Images

Making History
Allen Iverson currently ranks in the top-five in scoring average (1st, 30.5 ppg), assists per game (5th, 7.8) and steals per game (2nd, 2.43). Since steals became an official statistic in 1973-74, no player in NBA history has ever ranked in the top-five in those three categories. Last season (2003-04) Baron Davis came close by finishing the season 1st in steals per game (2.36), 2nd in assists per game (11.2) and 6th in scoring average (22.9).

In addition, Iverson is on pace to capture his fourth scoring title. The title would place the three-time NBA scoring champion (31.4 ppg in 2001-02; 31.3 ppg in 2000-01; 26.8 ppg in 1998-99) among Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan and George Gervin as the only players in NBA history to capture four or more scoring titles.

Sixers Set Sights on the Playoffs
With exactly one week left in the NBA schedule, the Sixers find themselves in a "must-win" mentality. The remaining schedule will be challenging, playing five games in seven days. Among their final five games, the Sixers will play three of those five at home. Two of their final five opponants are above .500 teams. Philadelphia plays Miami at home on Thursday, then travels over the weekend to Indiana and New Jersey. The Sixers will then return home on Monday to play Milwaukee and finish their regular season on Wednesday night against Atlanta.

The Sixers most crucial game is shaping up to be against New Jersey on April 17. While Philadelphia currently holds the eighth and final playoff position in the Eastern Conference, New Jersey trails the Sixers by only one game. New Jersey also has five games remaining in their regular season, however, they play three of those five on the road. Just one of New Jersey's final five opponants are a below .500 team.

Iverson spoke about the Sixers playoff positioning after Tuesday nights game against Boston.

"We just want to get in the playoffs. We want to win the division. I'd be lying if I said we didn't. That was the goal. But if that's not something we accomplish, just getting in the playoffs is enough for us. It doesn't really matter to me who we play in the first round. If there's a team out there that's the best in the East, then we'll have to play them anyway."

As of games played through April 12, 2005

Last Five Games of Regular Season Date Opponent Record Playoff Seeding April 14 Miami 56-21 1st April 15 @ Indiana 42-35 5th April 17 @ New Jersey 38-39 9th April 18 Milwaukee 29-48 - April 20 Atlanta 12-65 -