5x NBA champ takes blame for Allen Iverson's iconic stepover on Tyronn Lue

Back in the 2001 NBA Finals, Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers found themselves taking on the star-studded LA Lakers. While the Sixers ultimately lost that series, it was undoubtedly a memorable one. Game 1 in particular was iconic to many NBA fans because Iverson stepped over Tyronn Lue after hitting a deep mid-range shot over him. The Sixers went on to win the game.

Apparently, former Lakers star Derek Fisher, who won five championships with LA, felt like he was to blame for Lue having to go through Iverson's terror on the hardwood.

During his appearance on "Podcast P with Paul George" on Monday, Fisher explained that he didn't feel at his best leading up to Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals. Because of that, the Lakers' head coach at the time, Phil Jackson, made a big decision.

"I didn't have the energy and the force I'd normally play with," Fisher said at 8:07. "So, Phil Jackson had to make the choice for the team and like 'Okay, let's get [Tryonn Lue] out here and see if we could use his speed to try and impact what [Allen Iverson] was bringing to us that night."

"That moment for me was that I put T-Lue in that position where he had to deal with that because I wasn't at my best," Fisher continued. "I really feel like it was just all about me not being ready. Unfortunately, T-Lue had to live through that. I personally feel responsible for it."

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Looking back at Allen Iverson's performance in Game 1 of 2001 NBA Finals

The 2001 NBA Finals saw the LA Lakers looking to repeat after winning the title in 2000. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers, led by phenom and league MVP Allen Iverson, made a surprise run.

During the first game, Allen Iverson popped off and gave the Lakers a heartbreaking performance to stun the fans in LA. Iverson put the Sixers on his back, putting up 48 points, which includes his iconic shot against Lue, with six assists, five rebounds and five steals.

Despite Shaquille O'Neal's efforts to stop the little man, Iverson was too much for the Lakers to handle. O'Neal matched AI's performance with a huge double-double of 44 points and 20 rebounds. Unfortunately for the Purple and Gold, not only did Iverson step over Tyronn Lue, but he stepped over LA, conquering them with a 107-101 victory.