THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, November 2, 1996 TAG: 9611020594
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ED MILLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PHILADELPHIA LENGTH: 53 lines
Let the record show that Allen Iverson's first NBA shot - a 22-foot jump shot from the left side - was an airball.
``Rookie,'' screamed a leather-lunged 76ers fan.
Let the record further show that Iverson's second shot - an 8-foot pull-up from the baseline - also found nothing but CoreStates Center's air.
``A six-foot shooting guard,'' grumbled another fan.
OK, so welcome to Philadelphia.
But in fairness, let it also be recorded that with 7:56 left in the first quarter Iverson blew by Milwaukee's Sherman Douglas with a left-to-right crossover dribble and rose to the basket to attempt a dunk over 6-11, 245-pound Vin Baker.
Baker was called for goaltending and Iverson had his first NBA basket. And his first ``ooh'' from the tough Philly crowd.
It was the start of a big night. Iverson's line: 30 points on 12 of 19 shooting, six assists, one steal and three turnovers in a 111-103 loss to Milwaukee.
``Three turnovers,'' Iverson said. ``That's an F.
``It was a loss. It doesn't matter how good or bad we played. We lost.''
Others were less critical.
``He's exciting as you can tell,'' 76ers center Michael Cage said. ``This kid can play ball.''
The move that got Iverson going was prophesied by 76er reserve Scott Williams. Before the game, he offered this observation gleaned from the preseason:
``He's so quick with his crossover dribble, that a lot of veteran guards are having trouble picking that up.
``He's too quick for me,'' Williams continued. ``He's got, like a Ford motor up his butt.''
Iverson was too quick for Douglas, driving at will. He stayed under control and spread the ball around.
But the veteran Douglas had his moments, too. Douglas ran the 160-pound Iverson into pick after pick. Douglas finished with 22 points.
``I've got to do a better job of getting over screens,'' he said. ``That's something teams are going to do all year against me.''
If Friday night is any indication, teams will have to adjust to Iverson more than he has to adjust to them.
``He's going to be a good player for a long time,'' Milwaukee coach Chris Ford said. ``He can drive and hit the three.'' ILLUSTRATION: Color AP photo
After shooting airballs on his first two field-goal attempts, 76ers
rookie Allen Iverson found his range on this first-quarter layup. by CNB