Although the 76ers organization promised they hadn’t made any special plans for Allen Iverson’s much anticipated, first game back to the Wachovia Center, it didn’t matter because the Philadelphia faithful welcomed him as a hero returning home. Iverson graciously received his 50 second standing ovation and kissed the center court during warm-ups. The moments before the game contained a feeling of nostalgia. It was the first time in fifteen months that Iverson set foot on the floor that he so vigorously competed on many times before. This time, A.I. donned a different uniform, and he was here to beat Philadelphia, nostalgia or not. The Sixers knew this, and after tip off, they were all business.

Some of the key elements that allowed the Sixers to come away with a win included the 30 points scored by bench players, along with solid performance by Andre Miller. Miller finished with 28 points, 1 rebound, 12 assists and 1 steal. Not to be outdone in the building he used to call home, Iverson recorded 32 points with 2 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals. The quality play of the Sixers Wednesday night allowed them as much as a 10 point lead, but this game played out just like any other with this magnitude, and it was won in the final seconds of the 4th quarter.

With the game tied and 2 minutes left to go, a play occurred between Iverson and Miller that served as a glaringly, symbolic image. Miller posted up against A.I. just outside the paint and pump faked. Iverson bit, fell over Miller and slammed his back against the floor as Miller drew the foul and completed the 3 point play. With Iverson lying on his back for a short while after the play, it became apparent that even though he did so much for this organization in his ten years here, the Sixers have moved past Iverson and have their own, new identity. Fittingly enough, this play transpired between the two players who were traded for each other last season, and in that play, one could see an appropriate end to one era in Philadelphia and the beginning of another.

Credit must also be given to Samuel Dalembert for a heads up play that ended up being the difference maker in the game. With 35 seconds remaining and the game tied, Andre Iguodala drove to the basket and put up what was either a shot, or a pass, but most likely just a prayer. Dalembert had the presence to snatch the ball out of the air and toss in the game winner. Iverson had a chance to be a hero for the Nuggets by shooting for the tie or the win with the ensuing possession, but after his attempt, the ball rattled off the rim and exchanged hands a few times before Iguodala sprinted away with it and victoriously launched it skyward as time expired.

The Sixers are 16-4 in their last 20 games and are neatly settled in the 7th seed of the Eastern Conference playoff standings. It is entirely possible for this team to move up in the playoff standings very soon, seeing as how they are only 1/2 game and 1 game behind Washington and Toronto respectively. The Nuggets, however, look like they’ll be on the outside looking in once the postseason begins. Oh well, that’s the Western Conference, Allen. Thanks for the memories and better luck next season.