Only days ago Allen Iverson referred to himself as not being a franchise player, rather just being one of many links (albeit a big one) that allows the Philadelphia Sixers to be successful.  He has not backed off from these comments, and he did in fact go out and dominate as well as win the game as he had previously said he would.

Iverson scored 42 points, including a team record 19 of 20 free throws, as his Sixers routed the Celtics 108-103 to remain alive in the first round of their series against the Boston Celtics.

``I'm the captain, that's what I am. Don't get into that `franchise' stuff. All my teammates are franchise players - and why not? I don't put myself above nobody on my squad. I'm a teammate, I'm a player on the 76ers team, it's as simple as that. But I do feel like I'm the best player, and there's a responsibility that comes with that.''

``There's always going to be controversy in this world. This is my life. This is what I've been going through since I've been in the league. I'm kind of used to it. We lose a couple of games and everybody points the finger at me. And when we win games, I get the praise. You just accept that and don't cry about it. I understand that's the way it's going to be.''