Toronto Raptors: Reviewing the Vince Carter versus Allen Iverson Battle

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Philadelphia 76ers’ Allen Iverson (R) drives past Toronto Raptors’ Vince Carter during first half action of game three of the Eastern Conference semifinal NBA playoffs in Toronto, Canada, 11 May, 2001. AFP PHOTO/Aaron HARRIS (Photo by AARON HARRIS / AFP) (Photo credit should read AARON HARRIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

Game 1: Toronto Raptors 96, Philadelphia 76ers 93

This was a big game for the Toronto Raptors who were not at all favored in this series. They took Game 1 in Philadelphia thanks to Vince Carter who had himself a night, with 35 points in 47 minutes on a not so bad efficiency of 44.8 percent (13-29 FG). He also had help from Dell Curry who shot the ball really well and got himself 20 points.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Allen Iverson had himself 36 points in the same amount of minutes than Carter got. The difference here is that Iverson shot 32.4 percent from the field (11-34 FG). The next game, however, was a different story for Iverson.

Game 2: Toronto Raptors 92, Philadelphia 76ers 97

This was a huge game for the Toronto Raptors, if they were able to win this then they’d be going back to Toronto with a 2-0 lead against the first place Sixers. But they had no answer to the Answer. Iverson dropped 54 points. But this time it wasn’t on awful shooting. He almost shot 54 percent from the field (21-39 FG) and shot 9 for 9 on the charity stripe. It was one Iverson’s best game ever (the second most points on his team was Eric Snow with 10).

Although Vince Carter certainly didn’t have a bad game, scoring 28 points on 46.2 percent efficiency (12-26). It obviously wasn’t as good Iverson’s. After going to the free-throw line nine times last game, Carter failed to do so once in this game. The series was going back to Toronto tied 1-1.

Game 3: Philadelphia 76ers 78, Toronto Raptors 102

After Iverson dropped 50 on the Raptors, Vince Carter decided to do the same this time around. Vince Carter dropped 50 points on 65.5 percent efficiency. He shot 19-29 from the field and 9-13 from three. He had eight three-pointers before the half which was a playoff record. Carter clearly made his statement and gave Toronto what they needed.

On the other side, Iverson failed to do any good. Scoring only 23 points, shooting 7-22 from the field. He even shot poorly from the free-throw line, shooting Shaq-like numbers with 8-15. It was a game to forget if you are Iverson and the Sixers. This game would give the Raptors the 2-1 lead and forever increase the odds in their favor.

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