The Phoenix Suns defeated the Golden State Warriors 122-116 Monday night, which means that the Denver Nuggets secure a playoff berth in the West. It takes the pressure off of Denver, who are still mathematically alive for a seventh seed. They say that when you are playing well, things go your way, and the Nuggets are starting to click at the exact right time. And perhaps no one in the NBA is playing as well as Allen Iverson.

We have seen Iverson take over when playoff time rolls around, and this year is no exception. Iverson was named the NBA Western Conference Player of the Week this past week, his third time this year, and looking at his numbers it is not surprising. In his last five games, AI is averaging over 28 points, eight assists and three steals. Even more impressive than those numbers is the fact that he is shooting a scorching 49% from the field during that span. He has proved himself to be the leader of this young Denver side, and has also showed that he still has the ability to carry a team, much as he did back in his years in Philadelphia.

However, unlike his glory days with the Sixers, Iverson is not without help. On the season, there are four players averaging double figures in points in addition to Iverson, with Carmelo Anthony leading the way with 25.8. Back when Iverson led the Sixers to the NBA finals in 2001, there were only two other players with double digits in points, led by Dikembe Mutumbo with only 11.7. But, not only is Iverson getting more offensive support this season, his teammates are also stepping up at the right time.

Obviously Carmelo is a great player to have on the court in the clutch, but the Nugget who is stepping it up the most late in the season is JR Smith. He is averaging over 17 points as a substitute in his past three games, five points above his season average, and seems to be ready to provide a spark from the bench in the post-season.

In the playoffs, it often happens that one player will carry his team to victory. Last year’s incredible performance by LeBron James in the Eastern Conference Finals is the most recent example of such heroics. If the past few weeks are any indication, Allen Iverson is still capable of fireworks of his own, and don’t be surprised if he posts some big numbers. But, fortunately for the Nuggets, if he doesn’t, his team might still be able to pull out a win.