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STAT SHEET STUFFER
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Allen Iverson did it all for the Sixers Friday night in a 119-115 win over the Bobcats. He continued his prolific stretch of scoring with 43 points and also added seven assists, six rebounds as
well as a blocked shot and a steal.
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RICK KAMLA'S FANTASY TAKE
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Eddie House continues to be instant offense for Phoenix, scoring 15 points in 14 minutes on Friday. If you are looking
for a scorer on the waiver wire, check if this House is available.
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GAME OF THE NIGHT
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Friday night served as a perfect litmus test for the Pistons, as they tried to flex their muscles on the road against
the Warriors. The game provided plenty of drama as the two teams were locked in a 94-94 tie with the clock ticking down
toward two minutes. Rasheed Wallace stepped in, picked off a pass and fed Chauncey Billups for a basket and a
96-94 lead with 2:11 to go. Billups added another basket for a 98-94 lead and the Pistons emerged with a 106-103 win.
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QUOTE OF THE NIGHT
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"We needed this win, bad," Dixon said. "It felt great. We've been on a heck of a losing streak. Things were getting a little down around here. Coach's spirits were still extremely high. He said we just needed to play with some passion, and I made a point to myself that I was going to be extremely aggressive."
- Portland's Juan Dixon, on his team's much-needed and clutch win over the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets.
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STORYLINES OF THE NIGHT
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 1. Scottie Pippen Night
Defensive stalwart and one of the most versatile players to ever play the game, Scottie Pippen had his number 33 retired by the Chicago Bulls. Pippen was named one of the NBA's Greatest 50 Players, was a member of the 1992 USA Dream Team, and a seven-time All-Star. Michael Jordan called him his "brother in arms" as they won six NBA Titles together.
  2. Young Guns
Carmelo Anthony had 40 points in his scoring duel with Dwyane Wade, who countered Anthony with 37 points. Now both in their third years in the league, Anthony and Wade should have many more nights like this to come, along with their fellow 2003 draftee LeBron James.
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ROOKIE WATCH
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Chris Paul continued to build on his stellar rookie campaign Friday, scoring 21 points for the Hornets and adding
10 assists and seven rebounds in a 98-95 loss at Portland. Paul barely
left the court, playing a team-high 47 minutes in the overtime contest.
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COOL/CLUTCH PERFORMANCE
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With the Blazers facing the possibility of their seventh straight loss, Juan Dixon stepped up when they needed him most.
He responded with 13 of his season-high 28 points in Friday's fourth quarter, helping Portland to a 98-95 win over the visiting Hornets. Dixon, who played 33 minutes after starting on the bench, hit 13-of-22 attempts from the floor.
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SCOREBOARD: Dec. 9, 2005 |
AROUND THE ASSOCIATION ARCHIVE
Vince Carter weaves through the Cavs.
