Major networks had it marked on their calender. Allen Iverson had it marked on his calender. March 19 was the first time superstar guard Allen Iverson, a Sixer from 1996 to 2006, would play in Philadelphia not wearing the Sixers blue and white. Iverson, traded in the winter of 2006 to Denver, came into Philadelphia with a desperate Nuggets team that is trying to fight its way into that final playoff spot in the west. The stage was set for a great homecoming. I mentioned that networks were ready, and Iverson was ready. But you better believe that the people looking forward to this the most were Philadelphia Sixers fans.

A sellout crowd; something the Sixers players hadn’t seen this far during their 2007-2008 campaign, packed the Wachovia Center. Among the fans were thousands of Sixers Iverson jerseys and a good amount of Nuggets Iverson shirts and jerseys. The lights went out and the fans immediately rose to their feet. They knew what was coming; the introduction of the toughest little guy ever. After his name was called out in player introductions, he received a long standing ovation. In his post-game press conference he said that although he didn’t cry, it was about as close as it got. These fans had seen this player pour everything he had into every game he played for 10 years as a Sixer. He plays with a huge heart, and Philadelphia recognized that. It was a picture perfect reception, but something was left: the game itself. And if you think the return of A.I. was special, the game made that seem like nothing at all.

The Nuggets and Sixers are 2 teams that like to run the full 94 feet of the court. The first quarter showed just that: it was a 34-31 Sixer lead after 1 quarter. The barrage of offense on both sides continued as both defenses played like it was an All-Star game. The Sixers held a 7-point lead at half, 65-58. Throughout the half though, the score wasn’t the only thing that changed. The mood of the crowd changed as well. Those thunderous cheers for A.I. started slowly to turn into boo’s. Cheers turned to anger at missed calls and Denver buckets. The sellout crowd went absolutely wild for huge dunks and special plays by Dalembert and Iguodala.

The 3rd quarter started with a 10-0 Denver run, but as Denver slowed a bit, the Sixers climbed their way back into it. At the end of 3 quarters, it was a 93-92 Nuggets lead. The building was rocking. The fans were going absolutely crazy. You couldn’t ask for anything better. The 4th brought more of the same. Back and forth these teams went. The Nuggets, needing a win to stay in the playoff race for the 8th spot out West. The Sixers, needing a win to try and leapfrog the Wizards for the 6th spot in the East. Big shot from Andre Miller. Big shot from Iverson. Willie green. Carmelo. When one team was able to grab a lead of 5 or 6, it was erased almost instantaneously. The fans were living and dying with every shot and every play.

Fast forward to the last possession of the game. The Sixers had just grabbed a 115-113 lead on an improbable basket. The Nuggets had the ball coming out of a timeout. Every single person in attendance knew what was coming: an Iverson shot to tie or even win the game. With over 20,000 people on their feet, the ball was sent to number 3 like expected. The shot was up, clank, Marcus Camby grabbed the board. The next shot was up, clank, Iguodala grabbed the defensive rebound furiously and the game was over as he sprinted to midcourt and threw the ball into the air. Iverson was deflated and dejected, the Sixers and their fans were elated and jumping up and down like the team just won a playoff game.

Allen Iverson was a special player for the Sixers for 10 long years. Sure, there were a lot of downs that he and the organization would love to forget, but there were good times too. The crowds thunderous ovation during introductions let him know that we appreciate 10 years of effort. We appreciate 10 years of throwing your body around to win games. But tonight, Philly fans showed their loyalty to the team; their 76ers. No more cheers for A.I. when the Sixers needed the win. “They’re diehard fans here,” Iverson said after the game. “At times it was like, we love you A.I. At times it’s, we’re gonna whoop your ass A.I.” The superstar understood the fans appreciation for him, but also the love of our city’s basketball team. “The fans here are the best. They’re like, we love what you did for us, but we’re Philly all the way. You gotta respect that.”

Tonight came and went and the most important thing was the Sixers getting a win to even their record at 34-34, remaining a half game back of the 6th place Wizards who also won. But it was a night to remember for lots of fans in the Philadelphia area who welcomed back the under 6 foot guard who was the face of this franchise for 10 years. He loved us tonight, and we loved him right back. He brought with him a hungry team which ran into the streaking Sixers. All of this was in a total playoff atmosphere. You simply cannot ask for anything more.