Iverson Provides Answers for 76ers

Allen Iverson scored 29 points Thursday night--there’s nothing unusual about that. But he also had 11 assists and that meant just as much for the Philadelphia 76ers in their 115-104 victory over the Grizzlies at Vancouver.

Iverson scored 10 of his 29 points over the final four minutes of the third quarter as the 76ers pulled away with a 14-0 run that gave them an 11-point lead.

But it was Iverson’s distribution of the ball early, even with the 76ers trailing by 13 points, that impressed Coach Larry Brown.

“Allen had a phenomenal game,” Brown said. “When Allen plays like that he makes everybody better. That was one of his better games in a long time. He came out early trying to get everybody involved, that was very significant. That opened the game up for himself and everyone else, and that became contagious.”

Iverson, who shot 11 of 20 from the field but struggled from the free-throw line (seven of 14), said he made a conscious effort to move the ball around early.

“That’s what I have been trying to do all season, trying not to do too much out there, overshadow my teammates. Hit them when they’re open, try to keep them happy. Fortunately it worked out tonight,” he said.

Jim Jackson added 21 points, six rebounds and five assists for the 76ers, but he praised Iverson.

“I think Allen is feeling more comfortable, and when he gets hot like that we have to clear the sides for him and make it more difficult for the other team to double him,” Jackson said.

Shareef Abdur-Rahim led Vancouver with 23 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.