MVN: Most Valuable Network

A very entertaining game took a backseat to the return of the little guy that we've grown to love. As expected, when he returned to the court, where he gave 110% every night on, he was showered with a warm and arousing ovation.

The sellout crowd at the Wachovia Center performed a season's worth of cheers all in one night. During shootarounds, AI ran out to midcourt and kissed the Sixers logo and the fans that were there cheered. When his name was announced in the starting lineup, with the tears in his eyes, he waved on the cheers in appreciation. The fans gave him 1:05 of applause before the next name was introduced. His signature hand-to-ear urged on an even louder roar. And for the first time since the trade, Mo Cheeks and AI interacted when Allen went over to the Sixers bench and gave Mo a hug. A very classy move by a truly classy player. In return, he showed his appreciation with special edition Reebok sneakers that read-"THX PHILA."

Now to the game. The team that had scored 120+ points in their last 3 contests (including a 168-116 trouncing over Seattle) had a clear gameplan to outscore us. Their execution on that plan was 2 points off as the sizzlin' Sixers beat the Nuggets-115-113. The star of the night finished with 32 points and 8 assists. The player we received in return for "The Answer", Andre Miller, countered with 28 points and 12 assists. He continues to step up his play against great point guards. 76ers defeated another team at their own style of play. Sixers held an advantage in the rebounding and fastbreak departments. Kenyon Martin, A.I and Melo all scored 20+ and there were 5 Sixers in double-figures.

Denver began the second half with a 7-0 run to tie up the game. Late in the game, Andre Miller got an old-fashion 3-point play using his patented up & under move in the post against AI who fell hard on the play. Next play, A.I drained an elbow three with 2 hands in his face. With the game tied, Andre Iguodala lost his balance on a drive and somehow managed to lob it to Dalembert for the go-ahead basket. Allen Iverson shot attempt was off the mark and numerous tips ended with Andre Iguodala sprinting away from the pack with the ball and the win. It was a very emotional game for both teams. The Nuggets definitely wanted to win the game for Allen and the Sixers didn't want to get shown up in their 2nd sellout of the season. There were also playoff ramifications for both squads.

His press conferences was the part of A.I that I miss the most. He speaks his mind no matter what the question is. He spoke to the lovely Philadelphia media that he had grown so accustomed to over the years for 15 minutes. I found interesting in his press conference is that when asked who reminds him the most of himself, he said Lou Williams. He did say, not the game or talent so much that reinded him of himself, but his heart and of course the speed. To have your will and heart compared to the great Allen Iverson by Iverson is a tremendous honor.

Sixers are now 8-1 this month and face their hopeful playoff opponent-the Orlando Magic- are next on the radar. Washington continues to win and still hold a .5 game lead for the 6th spot. With the recent success of the team, the 5th seed (1.0 game behind) may be inevitable. In February, these 2 teams played 3 times with the Sixers only winning 1. The key to our only victory was harassing Dwight Howard, where all things start for Orlando. Sam Dalembert is no match for Dwight one-on-one and if we can prevent him for getting good position and get hands on the ball and steals, then the offense should stall a little. Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu should be forced to drive instead of jacking threes also. Philly looks to extend the win streak to 4 on Friday. Tip-off is at 7:00.

Stay tuned to Passion and Pride throughout the remainder of the season and postseason for all your Sixers needs!