Iverson had 39 points and 10 assists as the hot-shooting 76ers rode a quick start and sent a message in an easy 107-84 victory over the Detroit Pistons.
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Sixers-Pistons: 300k |
Playing the first 46 minutes, Iverson started at his usual breakneck pace, which the Pistons could not match. The NBA scoring leader made 15-of-26 shots and five steals, falling just shy of his 58th career 40-point game.
The Sixers made their first eight shots as they bolted to an 18-6 lead. They held a 31-17 lead after one period and built it to 60-38 at halftime behind 24 points by Iverson, who had as many first-half baskets - 10 - as the Pistons.
Detroit closed to 66-55 early in the third quarter before Chris Webber made a pair of jumpers to trigger a 12-2 run that gave Philadelphia control for good. Webber scored 19 points.
With the outcome well in hand during a timeout in the fourth quarter, TV microphones picked up Sixers coach Jim O'Brien exhorting his team to pour it on and deliver a message to the Pistons, whom they lost to in the first three meetings of the season and could meet in the first round of the playoffs.
Iguodala was re-inserted to get the rebound he needed to complete his first career triple-double. The athletic swingman from Arizona finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and four steals.
The Sixers (33-34) made 10-of-17 3-pointers and collected 15 steals as they moved one game ahead of Orlando for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
With Hamilton missing his second straight game due to a sprained ankle, Detroit shot under 26 percent (10-of-39) in the first half and 38 percent (28-of-74) overall.
More alarming, however, was the Pistons' lack of defensive intensity. They were run ragged by Philadelphia's fast break and repeatedly beaten to loose balls.
