Iverson scored 38 points and nailed a key jumper with 22 seconds left as the 76ers avoided blowing an early 26-point lead in a 97-93 victory over the Boston Celtics, their Atlantic Division rival.
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"We don't get it," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said of his team's play of late. "The playoffs have started for a lot of teams and we haven't joined the fray yet. (Philadelphia) got it. We don't get it."
The Sixers improved to 3-0 against the division-leading Celtics this season and host them on April 12.
Philadelphia led throughout and owned a 38-12 bulge before Boston scored the final point of the first quarter. It was the largest deficit after one period in the illustrious history of the Celtics.
"We executed offensively and got stops," said Iverson, who matched the Celtics' output in the period. "The whole key is to get stops in this league. If you can't get stops, it puts pressure on you to score every time down the floor."
The Sixers held the Celtics to just 5-of-20 shooting in the first quarter and forced seven turnovers, converting them into 12 points.
"We are at our best with Allen Iverson in the open court," O'Brien said. "You can only get him in the open court if you get stops. For us to play with that kind of composure is great. I'm very happy with this win."
Boston cut its deficit to 55-45 at the break and, after falling behind by 17 points in the third quarter, pulled within 73-70 entering the fourth period.
But Iguodala scored six points during a 10-2 run opening the final period, with a layup by Dalembert giving the Sixers an 83-72 cushion with 6:55 to play.
Boston got within 93-90 on a twisting drive by Paul Pierce with 45 seconds left, but he could not complete a three-point play, and Iverson countered with a jumper for a 95-90 edge with 22 seconds to go.
After a missed shot by Boston's Ricky Davis, Iverson sank two free throws with 17 seconds left.
"We had a lack of urgency and a lack of hustle," Davis said. "I don't know why. I don't have the answers. We're not hungry enough. Maybe we're comfortable being in third place in the Eastern Conference and first in the division."
Davis scored 27 points and Pierce added 26 and 13 rebounds for the Celtics, O'Brien's former squad.
In addition to scoring 13 points in the first quarter, Iverson had 11 points in the third and 10 in the fourth. For the majority of the night, the 6-footer was guarded by the 6-7 Davis, Boston's best defender.
"Ricky has so much talent," Iverson said. "If I have big guys on me, I try to go around them. If I have smaller guys on me, I'll shoot over them. Ricky puts a lot of pressure on you."
