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April 21 • Brown, Coleman, McKie and Van Horn quotes April 19 • Brown, Coleman, McKie and Snow quotes April 18 • Practice Report • Brown, Iverson, Thomas and Van Horn quotes |
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Leaving a Mark in the Record Books
by Jeff Wilson posted April 21, 2003
“I think it was a big-game performance from a big-game player,” said backcourt mate Aaron McKie. “I was in awe of the performance, but at the same time, that is something that he brings to the table.” “For me, I’m sitting here watching this little kid go off, and I put myself in the other players’ shoes,” said Head Coach Larry Brown. “They are all probably sitting there saying, ‘I hope he shoots.’ He’s making unbelievable plays. I think we all got just standing around and just watching. That truly was one of the great performances you will ever see.” Iverson’s gritty performance helped many players settle into the unfamiliar atmosphere of the NBA Playoffs. With four players on the Sixers roster entering this postseason without playoff experience, and three others making their first playoff appearance in a 76ers uniform, the squad aims to become more relaxed as the series progresses. “I was kind of surprised, but some of our guys looked like they were a little nervous. Some of them told me they were,” said Brown. “Hopefully, that will take care of itself.” “We got excited in the back before we even came out onto the floor. We were back there jumping around, having fun and talking,” said McKie. “As soon as those guys came out there and felt the energy of the crowd, immediately it was like, ‘wow, I guess this is what you were all talking about - playoff basketball.’ The fans make you aware of how important playoffs are.” The raucous towel-waving First Union Center throng impressed the team Sunday night. Another home game Wednesday evening should give the Sixers an edge before heading to New Orleans for Game Three. “The crowd was great. We haven’t had this kind of atmosphere in a long time,” Brown said. “Last night’s crowd was the best we’ve had all year, by far. It was something that I think enabled us to win the game, to be honest. But some guys hadn’t been in the playoffs before, and especially here.”
Though Iverson’s phenomenal showing was the center of attention Monday morning, the Sixers had to focus on what the second game of the series with the Hornets will bring. The 76ers are not quite sure what to expect Wednesday night, but they are prepared to see what the Hornets show them and make adjustments as necessary. Clearly, one of New Orleans’ main tasks will be shutting down Iverson. That seems to be fine with the Sixers. “Obviously, you try to figure out what they are going to do,” said Brown of the Hornets. “I would think the tendency for them is to try to take the ball out of Allen’s hands. Everybody else is going to be open. I think we are all aware of that. We are trying to show people what opportunities could present themselves so they are inclined to get themselves open and be a threat.” “I don’t think there are going to be too many games where the three of us combine for 11 points,” Van Horn said, commenting on the first-game totals of Derrick Coleman, Kenny Thomas and himself. “Not in this series or the rest of the playoffs.”
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