Iverson Cools Off Heat

There's just one thing worse for the Miami Heat than having to face Allen Iverson. It's having to face him twice.

Iverson scored 33 points Tuesday night, leading Philadelphia to a 91-79 victory that snapped the 76ers' two-game losing streak and kept them 1½ games behind Orlando for the fifth playoff spot in the East.

As for the Heat, they must figure out a way to stop Iverson in time for Wednesday's rematch in Philadelphia _ or slide further out of playoff contention.

"The kid got off on us," Miami coach Pat Riley said. "He made some shots and opened up the gap."

The Heat led for most of the first half, then Iverson and the 76ers took control late in the third quarter with a 15-2 run. Iverson scored 11 points during the run after managing just 12 in the first half.

Iverson helped carry the 76ers to a 66-60 lead entering the fourth quarter, and he kept hitting key shots. His 3-pointer made it 77-72, and another _ with the shot clock winding down _ opened an 84-74 cushion with 3:05 remaining.

"Allen played about as well as he has any time I've been around," Sixers coach Larry Brown said.

Iverson struggled early, going 1-of-7 in the first quarter and scoring four points. He closed with 21 in the second half to spark the 76ers to their third win in as many games against the Heat this season.

"It was important for us to get the win," Iverson said. "The difference in the game was the second half. We played better defense, and that led to easy baskets. When we play good defense, we usually win the game.

"I've been struggling all year with my elbow and my shooting and everything. But it's just important for me to just keep fighting. That's the thing I've learned the most lately is how to play struggling, and it's important for me when I am struggling not to get down on myself, to keep fighting. Eventually, something good will happen."

Derrick Coleman added 20 points, but his status is listed day-to-day. He found out only before the game that the left knee that's been bothering him since November has torn cartilage.

"I'm frustrated more than anything," Coleman said. "If I had known about it in November I probably would have had surgery on it already and been done with it. I think it's really too late in the season for me to have an operation. If I'm able to go, I'll go. If not, I'll just rest until it heals."

Eddie Jones scored 23 points and Alonzo Mourning 21 for the Heat, who lost for only the third time in 10 games and dropped to two games behind Charlotte for the final playoff spot in the East.

"It's frustrating, but this is where we've been at times," Heat forward Brian Grant said. "Tomorrow's game is just as important. We all have to have better games tomorrow. We need to relax and play our game. We're in a tough spot in our schedule. We're at the point where we can play ourselves in or out." Notes: Philadelphia has won five of six games against Miami. ... 76ers C Dikembe Mutombo is the only player on his team to start all 66 games this season. ... 76ers F Matt Harpring returned to the lineup after missing Sunday's game against Orlando with a stomach virus. ... Heat backup PG Anthony Carter missed the game because of personal reasons.

Article continues below

---

advertisement

---

Author: 6 ABC-AP