Before being hired as LeBron James’ new coach in Cleveland, Tyronn Lue was best-known for being a prop in one of Allen Iverson’s most iconic moments.
Iverson took the time to reach out to Lue via Twitter on Friday after learning that his one-time adversary was promoted to Cavs head coach following the firing of David Blatt.
Congratulations to Tyron Lue. Well deserved and good luck. Love you
— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) January 23, 2016
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Of course, the two men were on opposite sides of one of the most famous NBA moments of this millennium.
It was June 6, 2001, the first game of the NBA Finals. Just steps from the Lakers bench, Iverson hit a cornrowed Lue with his patented crossover (you know, the one that made Michael Jordan look silly), stepped back and hit a long jumper that sent Lue to the ground. Iverson paused to watch his shot go in, then proceeded to step over Lue on his way back up the court.
That play was the exclamation point on a 48-point performance by Iverson in a 107-101 win. The Lakers would win the next four games and the championship, but that quick sequence is what most people remember more than anything else from that series.
It’s amazing how that one, quick sequence 15 years ago continues to connect the two men.