In 2001, Vince Carter and Allen Iverson met in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. What ensued was one of the greatest playoff duels in NBA history. Iverson got the ball rolling when he scored 54 points in Game 2 to even the series up at one game a piece. Carter then responded with a 50 point game of his own in Game 3 to put the Raptors up 2-1. For the series, Carter averaged 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists while shooting 47% from the field, 42% from the three-point line, and 84% from the free throw line. Iverson averaged 33 points on 40% from the field, 43% from the three-point line, and 79% from the free throw line. Allen also grabbed an average of 4 rebounds and 7 assists. Statistically, Carter may have won the individual battle, but the league MVP Iverson won the war as Carter missed a potential game-winner with 3.6 seconds remaining in Game 7.
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September 12th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
I remember that the day after this game, I was so excited about the Raptors future. I was positive that I would be cheering for a contender for the next decade, and that resigning all of the free agents that summer was a great move that would bring a championship 2 or 3 years down the line….
How very, very wrong I was. (Single tear)
September 12th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
True Dat! This was a great series! I believe that even if Vince didn’t get his diploma earlier that day, he still would have missed that shot.
September 12th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Trev,
I hear you. The Raptors were extremely talented in the late 90’s, early 00’s. It’s a shame that Carter and McGrady failed to see their potential together. But it was probably a prelude to what was to come from them. Neither one of them maximized their potential.
September 12th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Hooped Up,
Yeah, I don’t think Carter’s decision to attend his graduation had any bearing on the game. But personally — I wouldn’t have made that choice.
September 13th, 2008 at 5:36 am
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