NBA's 72 "Greatest" Moments: Dikembe Mutombo Shines at the 2001 ASG

This qualifies as one of the 72 “Greatest” Moments in NBA History

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Yesterday, I joined my good friends at the Over & Back Podcast to watch the 2001 All-Star Game. Without a doubt, one of the best ASGs ever played.

I gripe about it during the rewatch, but it is pretty obvious when you break the game down that Dikembe Mutombo was the MVP.

Yes, Allen Iverson played great offensively in the fourth quarter. As did Stephon Marbury with some timely big shots. Those little men caught plenty of attention doing the glitzy side of the comeback for the East All-Stars.

HOWEVER, it was Mutombo who held the team together. He had only six points, but posted 22 rebounds and three blocks that somehow underestimate the stifling lid he put on the basket for the West allowing the slim one-point win.

To emphasize this point, Deke got TWENTY-TWO REBOUNDS in a mere 28 minutes. And he was sorely needed. The East’s other big men were Anthony Mason and Antonio Davis. Mason was 6’7” on a good day and Davis merely 6’9”.

Meanwhile, the West was running out Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Chris Webber, Rasheed Wallace, Antonio McDyess, Utah Jazz Power Forward Sex Offender, Vlade Divac, and David Robinson. RELATED: Mutombo had a game-high five fouls. Anyhoo, stunning Dikembe was able to stymie those dudes just enough to give the East even a chance at winning.

I also want to emphasize, again, that Iverson played really well. 25 points and the way he got the points makes for a legitimate MVP case in that ASG. Mutombo just had the better case, IMO. Even if that case was of the lunchpail nature.

Ah well, watch the game for yourself and be judge.