Sold Out Wachovia Center Prompts Scientists to Study Freezing Status of Hell
Sixers vs. Nuggets

Dec. 7, 2009
In a move made for no other reason than to disperse the rats at the Wachovia Center, Iverson’s exploration into Middle America came to a halt.  An obviously reinvigorated Iverson took the floor to throngs of adoring fans welcoming him home with an admiration and hope not felt in years.  After the former 1996 #1 pick kissed the retro logo on the center of the floor, the fans grew even hungrier for some action.

His first bucket was a courtesy from the Nuggets which he ended up missing only to make a more difficult off balance putback.  He was clearly pacing himself.

A kinder, gentler, pre-cornrows...pre-"talkin' bout practice" AI.

Andre Iguodala was a beast in the first half, giving credence to the idea that he might actually end up really liking having Iverson back, because it takes a lot of defensive pressure off of him.  He doesn’t have to be the man.  The other teams will now treat him like a complimentary player, because they can’t take their eyes off of Iverson.  He pulled off an insanely athletic reverse dunk in the second only to be followed up by a full court H-O-R-S-E shot that would’ve knocked out Lebron(unless he threw a football).  Unfortunately, it didn’t count.

The Nuggets played smarter in the third, going to Billups down low against Iverson, who has no shot at defending him.  They also started double teaming Iggy, mainly because he was on pace to drop 40.  That’s when AI started to pick it up.  His scoring picked up in the third, but Denver began to show why they have a 15-5 record, while we have the opposite.

The main problem was that when the Nuggets ramped up their defense and started collapsing on Iguodala, the plays weren’t there for Iverson to command their respect.  He only took 11 shots, which you know isn’t going be a habit.  Integrating him more into the offense will take time, but great players can always adapt.  Thad had a nice game and did well defensively on Carmelo Anthony.  Unfortunately, Chauncey Billups scorched us with 31 as the Nuggets made us say “uncle” in the fourth.

On a sidenote, I think Iggy and Iverson hate each other.  Just listening to them talk to the press after the game, they seemed to divert questions about the other like skilled politicians.  Iverson was asked about the development he’s noticed in Iggy, and AI said, “He’s older.”  Iggy was asked how it felt being out on the court with a player of Iverson’s caliber, and Iggy explained that he enjoys basketball whether he’s on the court with Iverson or Royal Ivey (as in your average scrub).

Ten straight losses.  It hurts.  And if we don’t start seeing some wins soon, the “AI High” will be very short-lived.

-DNA