On February 11, 2001, Allen Iverson took down the West in the legendary All-Star Game
It is a time that those under the age of 20 cannot experience. As the NBA multiplies formula changes to try to save the All-Star Game, it used to be a real meet…
Undefended matches with incredible results and competitive actions fueled the regret of those who were lucky enough to see serious matches. As it was the case in the nineties or now twenty-five years ago, until February 11, 2001 in Washington.
Dikembe Mutombo summed it up perfectly after this legendary match: “This is my seventh All-Star game and I’ve never seen such intensity. It was like a title game.
Spectacle, intensity and suspense
The great strength of this match, in addition to the scenario, is the balance between the defense that was present from start to finish and the quality of actions.
Allen Iverson was thrilled with the near-circle finishes, when Vince Carter offered himself a 360° baseline dunk. Not forgetting the relationship between Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant in the alley.
West will dominate from the start (11-0 to start) and will (almost) never relinquish the lead. The gap even widened to 21 points in the second half, suggesting the debates were over. Then, led by Iverson, Mutombo’s shooting defense and Stephon Marbury hitting two 3-pointers, the East bounces back.
Kobe Bryant takes charge of the West and answers Allen Iverson and Stephon Marbury every time. The Lakers star offers one last shot to Tim Duncan, but it’s too short. Chris Weber, after an offensive rebound, tried to defend this attempt, but the buzzer had already sounded.
After this memorable last quarter, which Larry Brown’s men won 41-21, and these suffocating but joyful final minutes, the East won 111-110 and Allen Iverson, 25 points including 15 in this final act, was crowned the game’s MVP.
2026-02-11 10:32:00
