Iverson regrets legendary step-over of Lue

Tyrone Lue (left) was tasked with following Allen Iverson (right) during the Lakers' 4-1 series victory vs. the 76ers in the 2001 NBA Finals. MCT/Sipa USA

Allen Iverson regrets legendary step-over of Ty Lue

By Blake Harper | Last updated 9/24/20

Allen Iverson delivered one of the greatest moments in NBA history in Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals without saying a word when he stepped over defender Tyronn Lue after nailing a jumper to help seal the Philadelphia 76ers' win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Even with the Lakers winning the next four games in the series, it was still a career-defining moment for "The Answer" that is still talked about by basketball fans to this very day. But according to Iverson, he's not a fan of the moment due to his affection for Lue.

"I don't like it, because I love him," Iverson admitted on Showtime's All the Smoke Podcast.

While the move felt like an intentional show of disrespect, Iverson revealed it was a spur-of-the-moment move and that he did not even consider the larger implications of stomping over Lue.

"You don't know when you're gonna do something," he said. "You don't know the emotions in the game or what goes on throughout the game. ... That moment, yeah, it was dope when you look back on it, but I just don't like it."

Iverson's remorse is admirable but also probably unnecessary because Lue has done pretty well for himself since then. After more than a decade playing in the league, Lue stayed in the NBA and became a top head coac winning a championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. He is now an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers and is in consideration for several head coaching positions, including the Sixers.

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