via Getty
031258.SP.0806.lakers18.WS Lakers Kobe Bryant and 76ers Allen Iverson have a few words with each other at the end of the fourth quarter of the NBA Final game between the Lakers and the 76ers, Friday, June 8, 2001 at the Staples Center. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
via Getty
031258.SP.0806.lakers18.WS Lakers Kobe Bryant and 76ers Allen Iverson have a few words with each other at the end of the fourth quarter of the NBA Final game between the Lakers and the 76ers, Friday, June 8, 2001 at the Staples Center. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
When talking about the most boisterous NBA players and tenacious competitors of all time, the names of Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson are consistently brought up. Many intense playoff battles have been fought by this team of players, who are often mentioned in discussions regarding all-time greats.
Their most heated confrontation happened during the 2001 NBA Finals when an over-confident Iverson poked the bear after a scintillating win. But what happened in the subsequent games reinstated Bryant’s legacy as someone not to to messed with.
Trash talk changes the landscape of the NBA Finals
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A 48-point performance from Iverson and a thrilling Game 1 victory at the Staples Center had the Philadelphia Sixers buzzing with confidence. With their seemingly impenetrable postseason record, the Los Angeles Lakers‘ loss surprised many. Heading into Game 2, emotions were running hot, causing tensions to rise.
A 98-89 win in Game 2 allowed the Lakers to even the series at 1-1. That game saw something incredible take place. From both teams, two of the largest stars traded heated words – AI and Kobe. Before Derek Fisher and the referees could step in, they went back and forth for a tense 30 seconds. Atmospheric shifts made the series more oppositional and competitive.
The trash talk turned out to be a game-changer. What followed was a rampant comeback by one of the best in business.
Kobe, AI, and the Forgotten Trash Talk Era
A stark contrast between now and then – how did their talk manage to reach such heights without any technical fouls being called? Kobe reacted on the incident after the game (via NBA.com): “With his team, Allen is doing all he can to spur them on and energize them. But I really don’t care. Here we are, and we’re the world champions, no matter how inspired your team may be, the champions.”
Kobe also mentioned: ?We?re all fortunate that Allen Iverson is 6 foot 5, otherwise it would have been over for the league. Pack up and goodbye.?
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via Imago
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Allen Iverson, left, argues with the Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant at the end of Game 2 of the NBA Finals in Los Angeles, Friday, June 8, 2001. Iverson complained that the Lakers were holding him during the game. The 76ers’ Raja Bell looks on at rear. The Lakers went on to win 98-89 to even the series at 1-1. (AP Photo/Kim D. Johnson)
The Lakers legend’s confidence in his team was palpable, and he would back it up as he and Shaquille O’Neal led the Lakers to victories in the next three games, eventually winning the series in five games and securing back-to-back championship titles.
With an 11-0 record in the Western Conference, the Lakers were favorites to win the NBA championship. Surprising everyone, Iverson shone brightly in Game 1, powering Philly to a major upset on the road in Los Angeles.
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Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant fought other battles throughout their careers. Contributing to the illustrious history of NBA feuds, Iverson repeatedly put Kobe to the test during his early years in the league.
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