Lakers Better Watch Out

There were just more than four minutes left when Sixers` president Pat Croce made his way courtside, high-fiving and hugging fans along the way. Allen Iverson`s celebration began with 81 seconds left, when he broke into a victory lap around the First Union Center court -- his left hand cupped behind his left ear. And just as the final buzzer sounded Dikembe Mutombo, after grabbing the last of his 19 rebounds, stood near halfcourt and with a mighty thrust of his right hand slammed the ball hard onto the court -- seemingly triggering the fireworks and confetti that suddenly filled the arena. Overcoming adversity and injuries and a mid-season trade that wasn`t exactly endorsed by fans, the Sixers survived another grueling seven-game series with a 108-91 win over the Bucks. With the victory the Sixers are in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1983. Next up: the L.A. Lakers, with the best-of-seven series to begin on Wednesday. "Strictly business, man," said Aaron McKie, when asked how his team plans to approach the series against the dominant Lakers. "Just strictly business."

After watching the Lakers steamroll through the tough Western Conference, most observers consider the finals to be one-sided. A word of warning to the Lakers: underestimate the Sixers, and you might find yourself in a series that`s more hard fought than expected.

The Sixers are no longer Allen Iverson and those other guys, even though Iverson scored a game-high 44 points in Game 7 -- giving him 90 points in the final two games of the series. Mutombo (23 points, 19 rebounds, seven blocks) was a force on both ends. Role players including McKie (10 points, 13 assists, six rebounds) and Eric Snow have demonstrated an ability to step forward when needed.

And an added bonus has been the play of guys that few fans have ever seen or heard of, such as Jumaine Jones and Raja Bell. Jones stepped into the starting lineup in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and had 16 points in a Game 7 win over the Raptors.

And Bell? Heck, before the playoffs few people ever heard of this guy, who happened to start the season in the CBA with the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Two months ago Bell was playing pick-up hoops at a YMCA with 45-year-old men, including his father. On April 6 he signed a 10-day contract (he was dining in a Sioux Falls Denny`s when the Sixers called) and in Game 7 -- rewarded for his effort in Game 6 -- scored a career-high 10 points, all coming while playing nine minutes in the second quarter when he hit four of six shots. How impressive was his effort? By the second half, Bell was receiving standing ovations as he checked into and out of the game. "Incredible, incredible feeling -- my heart got warm every time I checked in," Bell said. Added Iverson: "I went to coach and said `Where`d you get this kid from?` I`m just glad to be his teammate for a special moment like this."

As for special, Iverson`s showing everyone why he is, truly, a special player. The 34.4 percent shooting during the series against the Bucks? So what, considering Iverson brought his game when it counted. His 26-point outburst in the fourth quarter of Game 6 might have provided the momentum swing for Game 7. "It did help, knowing I could get my shot back," Iverson said of his Game 6 outing. In Game 7 Iverson hit 17 of 33 shots, and over the final five quarters of the series he hit 24 of 45 shots (53.3 percent from the field). "One of his best performances," Bucks center Ervin Johnson said. "He carried the team."

It will be more challenging for Iverson to carry the Sixers against the Lakers. Yet, after what he`s played through during these playoffs, it`s impossible to count Iverson out. For those who still criticize Iverson for his image off the court, put aside those perceptions and appreciate this: this kid brings it nightly, whether he`s on fire or shooting poorly. And his maturity, brought on by an attempt to trade him a year ago, is the reason why the Sixers will play for the NBA title. Said Brown: "I can`t imagine a player having a bigger impact on a team or a city."

Iverson definitely had an impact on the Bucks, who -- despite conspiracy allegations -- just got outplayed. Philadelphia made few mistakes (five turnovers in Game 7, as compared to 15 for Milwaukee -- leading to 16 points for the Sixers), were rewarded for their attempts to attack the basket (32 free throw attempts, compared to 19 for the jump-shooting Bucks), and simply had more desire (the Sixers had 17 offensive rebounds, leading to 19 second-chance points).

In the midst of the celebration in the Sixers` locker room, a case of Korbel champagne was wheeled through the middle of the room. McKie wore a puzzled look. "That stuff must be for the reporters," McKie said. "You guys better go out and get us some real stuff."

The real stuff? Should the Sixers somehow get past the Lakers, you best be sure the Moet will be flowing. A tough mountain to climb? Certainly. An impossible task, winning the team`s first championship since 1983? Watching the Sixers the last two rounds of the playoffs, it`s extremely hard to discount the team`s chances. "This is a special group of guys," Mutombo said. "A group of guys with no fear."

And a group of guys confident they can overcome one more challenge.

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Author: 6 ABC - Action News (AP)