Playing Against Allen Iverson’s “Torture” Sparks Bold Claim With No Hesitation

Allen Iverson did not earn his name as ‘Third Degree’ for nothing. And Mark Jackson’s recent revelation about playing against Iverson further supports this claim. Mark Jackson, on his recent podcast episode along with his son Mark Jackson Jr. aka Bluu, discussed Allen’s on-court prowess. On being asked by his son what it was like playing against Allen Iverson, Mark Jackson replied with “Torture”. He further mentioned Ivy to be an assassin on court who could score in bunches.

“[Iverson] was extremely fast, crafty. Lull you to sleep, get to his spots,” the ex-New York Knicks star stated. Notably, the Ranker has placed AI in the 4th spot among the fastest NBA players of all time. It is said that the 11x All Star’s speed and agility allowed him to blow past the defenders, making him one of the fastest NBA players.

Even Mark Jackson, further in the podcast, spotlighted ‘The Answer’ as an incredible player, in fact, as an all-time great. The 58-year-old recollected one of his own experiences playing against AI. “I remember specifically playing for the Denver Nuggets. It’s a loose ball just across half court. I’m the closest one to it. About 5ft away, Allen Iverson is on the other baseline, and I tell you, he got to the ball and dunked it. By the time I got anywhere near, I’m like, it’s almost over for me,” Jackson recalled. The wiry 6-footer had the ability to make any NBA player look foolish on any given night. And he did it without mercy.

A look back on some impressive feats by Allen Iverson

Iverson had an impressive stat-line in which he averaged 26.7 points, 6.2 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game. ‘The Answer’ also managed to grab the 1996-97 NBA Rookie of the Year award, 2 All-Star MVPs and the 2001 Regular Season MVP award. 

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However, one of the most memorable achievements by AI remains his 60 points against Orlando Magic on February 12 during his 2004-05 season. He also achieved his career high free throws and free throw attempts in the same match. It is worth mentioning that this could have been the highest score by any Sixers’ player, had it not been for ex-NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain’s 68, 65 and 62 points from the franchise. Notably, of the top 10 scoring figures from the 76ers, 8 spots collectively belong to Iverson and Chamberlain.

Another major highlight from Iverson’s career is when he almost decked the Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan with his signature ‘crossover’ move in 1997. “But the craziest thing about it is I hit him with my best move and he still almost blocked it,” Iverson had recalled.

All these feats are enough to prove that on-court Allen Iverson was not a force to be reckoned with. What is your opinion of the 6′ player? Let us know your favorite AI moment in the comments.

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