Saturday night in Philadelphia was more than just a regular-season game - it was a full-circle moment. The 76ers didn’t just host the New Orleans Pelicans; they threw it back to one of the most iconic eras in franchise history, honoring the 2000-01 Eastern Conference championship team on its 25th anniversary. And at the heart of it all, as always, was Allen Iverson.
From the moment Iverson stepped onto the court at halftime, the crowd at Xfinity Mobile Arena erupted with chants of “MVP,” echoing the energy he once generated on a nightly basis. The Sixers went all-in on the nostalgia: the court was dressed in the retro logo with the comet tail, the team suited up in the classic black uniforms, and even Hip-Hop, the high-flying mascot from the early 2000s, made a return for the night. It was a celebration of a team - and a player - that captured the city’s heart a quarter-century ago.
Iverson, the No. 1 overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, wasn’t just the face of that 2001 Finals squad - he was the engine. That year, he was named league MVP and led a gritty Sixers team through a memorable playoff run, including a Game 1 win in the Finals over a dominant Lakers squad featuring Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.
It was a run defined by toughness, swagger, and Iverson’s fearless play. On Saturday, he was honored not just for that magical season but for a career that included Rookie of the Year honors and 11 All-Star selections.
Several of Iverson’s former teammates were on hand to share the moment, including Eric Snow, Rodney Buford, Theo Ratliff, Todd MacCulloch, Jumaine Jones, and George Lynch. Former team president Pat Croce - the ever-energetic architect of that era - rang the ceremonial bell to get the night started, and former GM Billy King was also in attendance. The halftime ceremony brought the group together at center court, but it was Iverson’s entrance that turned the arena into a time machine, transporting fans back to the days when "The Answer" ruled the hardwood.
And fittingly, the current Sixers delivered a performance worthy of the occasion.
Joel Embiid put on a show of his own, dropping a season-high 40 points to go with 11 rebounds in 39 minutes. He was efficient and assertive, shooting 13-of-27 from the field, hitting 3-of-5 from deep, and knocking down 11-of-14 at the line. Embiid also chipped in four assists, two blocks, and a steal - a complete performance from the reigning MVP on a night that celebrated another.
Philly took control in the second quarter, outscoring the Pelicans 36-21 to build a 13-point halftime lead heading into the ceremony. From there, they kept their foot on the gas, finishing the night with five players in double figures.
Kelly Oubre Jr. brought energy on both ends, finishing with 19 points and 10 boards. Tyrese Maxey added 18 points and eight assists, continuing his strong season as the team’s second scoring option.
Rookie VJ Edgecombe chipped in 15 points and five assists, while Jared McCain added 12 points off the bench.
It was the kind of balanced, high-effort win that would’ve made the 2001 squad proud - gritty, team-oriented, and full of heart.
The victory capped off a perfect 3-0 homestand and moved the Sixers to 27-21 on the season, good for sixth in the Eastern Conference. On the other side, New Orleans dropped to 13-38 despite a 34-point effort from Saddiq Bey and 19 from Trey Murphy III. Zion Williamson, who was held scoreless in the first half, finished with just 11 points on the night.
A SIX FOOT GUARD FROM GEORGETOWN. pic.twitter.com/aQ1t9sR4zn
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 1, 2026
Next up, the Sixers head west to face the Clippers on Monday. But for one night, the past and present came together in South Philly - and both delivered.