Iverson Does It His Way and Scores 50

Allen Iverson made two free throws, and the magic number flashed on the scoreboard: 50 points.

The last time he did it, people had a problem with it.

This time, it was a milestone that showed how much things have changed.

Iverson tied his career high and made a mockery of his showdown with Sacramento’s Jason Williams as the 76ers beat the Kings, 119-108.

Iverson’s performance was reminiscent of the one in Cleveland three years ago when he scored 50 points in the city where he was booed during the rookie game at All-Star weekend.

Now, his team is in position to make the playoffs for the second season in a row after an eight-year drought, and Iverson is finally shedding his reputation as a selfish showman who cares only about stats.

“I don’t mind taking 40 shots. That’s what I do,” Iverson said.

“Regardless of whether I score 50 points or five points, I’m going to play as hard as I can,” Iverson said. “I’m going to play every game like it’s my last. I’ve been saying it since I got here. Regardless if the shots go in or not, I’m going to play hard.”

Iverson, approaching his first All-Star game, had a slew of incredible numbers: A career-high 20 field goals and 40 attempts, nine rebounds and six assists.

He favorite stat was the one that goes in the standings. Unlike his other 50-point game, the 76ers won.

Iverson scored 12 in the first quarter, 15 in the second, 12 in the third and 11 in the fourth. The 76ers improved to 3-10 in his career when he scores 40 or more.

Williams, the Kings’ flashy point guard, had 14 points on five-of-16 shooting and was not a factor in the outcome.

Both realms belonged to Iverson, who scored 50 for the first time since he became the first rookie since Wilt Chamberlain to have four consecutive 40-point games. He had 50 on April 12, 1997, in a loss to Cleveland.