Allen Iverson intently watched the Sixers pull out a 120-116 win over the Nets Friday standing on the court of the Wells Fargo Center (see observations).
After the buzzer sounded, he gave an impromptu postgame press conference as he walked through the room where Brett Brown addresses the media.
"I'm very familiar with this right here," Iverson said, laying his hand on the podium.
When the topic of his desire to get in the game and still play came up, the 42-year-old Hall of Famer replied, "I always want to help, but I'm too old to help. I can't help no more … I can't play no more. "The Answer" has gone to heaven and Allen Iverson is still here."
Iverson was very much a part of the game from the sidelines. He stood during the final stretch in the fourth quarter, enthusiastically reacted to calls, and high-fived fans as the Sixers closed out the victory in the final seconds.
Philadelphia 76ers
Complete coverage of the Philadelphia 76ers and their rivals in the NBA from NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Iverson is on his feet as this game is going down to the final seconds. pic.twitter.com/kPRBxj5ruY— Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoNBCS) March 17, 2018
"It's awesome," Ben Simmons said. "He wants us to win. He's behind us. He can obviously see we have a lot of potential, which is awesome coming from him."
Iverson made a request about the Sixers, who at 38-30 are chasing a return to the playoffs and possibly home-court advantage.
"Treat my ‘little dudes,'" Iverson said with air quotes, referencing how he described the players in an interview last week, "treat them right and give them a chance."
The Sixers noticed Iverson's encouragement.
"I saw him, I saw the support," Joel Embiid said. "I like it. Like he said, we are his little dudes. I appreciate the support."