Two decades later, Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals between the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers remains arguably one of the most recognizable games in NBA history, but not for conventional reasons, as it certainly didn't appear to be a well-balanced matchup.
The Lakers were the defending champs, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant and hadn't lost in over two months.
On the other hand, the Sixers were fresh off of back-to-back seven game series with the Vince Carter-led Toronto Raptors and Ray Allen and Glenn Robinson-led Milwaukee Bucks.