MIAMI, March 19 (Ticker) -- Allen Iverson stuck around long enough to find his shooting stroke.

Playing practically the entire game, Iverson scored 33 points and led a second-half comeback as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Miami Heat, 91-79, in the first of a home-and-home series.

The NBA leader in points and minutes per game, Iverson made just four of his first 15 shots as the 76ers fell behind by as many as eight points in the first half. But with a handful of teammates sidelined by injuries and the team needing his scoring, Iverson stayed in the game and kept shooting.

The seemingly tireless All-Star guard scored 11 points in a 15-3 run that closed the third quarter and gave Philadelphia a 66-60 lead. He had 10 points in the final period and made a key steal during a clinching 9-0 burst. Iverson did not come out until 43 seconds remained.

NBA TV highlights from Sixers-Heat: 56k | 300k Derek Coleman played through a left knee injury to score 20 points and help Philly stay hot. Victor Baldizon NBAE/Getty Images

Derrick Coleman played through a knee injury to score 20 points for the Sixers (35-31), who have won four straight road games and eight of 11 overall. They are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference.

Eddie Jones scored 23 points for Miami (30-35), which fell 2 1/2 games behind Charlotte in the race for the East's final playoff berth. The Heat have lost three straight meetings and seven of the last eight to the Sixers, with the season series finale Wednesday night in Philadelphia.