Larry Brown
The 1977-78 NBA scoring title came down to the final day of the season. Heading into their last games, San Antonio's silky-smooth forward George Gervin was averaging 26.8 points per game. High-flying Denver showman David Thompson was at 26.6. Thompson had the greatest game of his career, shattering Wilt Chamberlain's record for most points in a quarter. When Gervin took the court later in the day, he knew that he had to respond with a masterpiece of his own—or else risk losing the crown.
NBA TV will feature the primetime special — Allen Iverson: The Answer — during its extensive 2016 Finals coverage on Monday, June 6, at 8 p.m. ET, with the fearless and sometimes misunderstood Iverson looking back at his Hall of Fame playing career and the moments that made him one of the most talked about figures in NBA history. During the hour-long special, NBA TV’s Steve Smith interviews Iverson about the difficult journey from Hampton, Va., to Georgetown University, his selection as the first overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, his close relationship with “The City of Brotherly Love” and carrying the 76ers to The Finals, his unapologetic scoring mentality, the famous “Practice” press conference, regrets about leaving Philadelphia, and his impact on pop culture.
Iverson is the ultimate legacy of NBA legend Allen Iverson, who rose from a childhood of crushing poverty in Hampton, Virginia, to become an 11-time NBA All-Star and universally recognized icon of his sport. Off the court, his audacious rejection of conservative NBA convention and unapologetic embrace of hip hop culture sent shockwaves throughout the league and influenced an entire generation. Told largely in Iverson's own words, the film charts the career highs and lows of one of the most distinctive and accomplished figures the sport of basketball has ever seen.
Reggie Miller single-handedly crushed the hearts of Knick fans multiple times. But it was the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals that solidified Miller as Public Enemy #1 in New York City. With moments to go in Game 1, and facing a seemingly insurmountable deficit of 105-99, Miller scored eight points in 8.9 seconds to give his Indiana Pacers an astonishing victory. This career-defining performance, combined with his give-and-take with Knicks fan Spike Lee, made Miller and the Knicks a highlight of the 1995 NBA playoffs. Peabody Award-winning director Dan Klores will explore how Miller proudly built his legend as "The Garden's Greatest Villain".
"The Team that Changed the World," investigates the Globetrotters' impact socially and culturally, as well as their lasting effect on the NBA. Featuring interviews with basketball players, celebrities, politicians, and more, the documentary also shows how the Globetrotters continue to serve as "Ambassadors of Goodwill" and touch audiences around the world today.
The underdog Detroit Pistons shocked the basketball world by defeating the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers (led by superstars Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal) to become the 2003-2004 NBA Champions. Via penetrating interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, this video follows the team from the start of the season through the playoffs as they make their arduous journey to basketball's ultimate prize.
Philadelphia 76ers star guard Allen Iverson is in many ways the fantasy of armchair hoopsters, and I readily cop to being one. We know that we're not as intimidating a presence as Shaquille O'Neal, or lack the lanky moves and wingspan of Kobe Bryant, or just the general gigantism of Dikembe Mutombo or Tim Duncan or Chris Webber. But at six feet and 160 pounds, Iverson is the little man's dream, the undersized player who is both fearless and successful in taking it to the big men. Unfortunately, Allen Iverson—The Answer isn't nearly as dynamic as its subject, though it works well as an extended highlight reel.
