Coleman Is King Bee as Hornets Sting 76ers

It’s been a long time since anyone has seen this version of Derrick Coleman.

Coleman, back in the playoffs after a five-year absence, scored eight of his 29 points in overtime, leading the Charlotte Hornets to a 108-98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers Monday night to tie their playoff series, 1-1.

The surly nine-year veteran, who has a reputation as a selfish malcontent, went through the Hornets’ locker room after the game congratulating every player.

“It’s playoff basketball, man. You can’t help but be pumped,” Coleman said.

In overtime, Coleman made four baskets in a row and helped the Hornets take the series to Philadelphia--where he spent almost three years before signing with Charlotte--for Game 3 Friday night.

“D.C. just took over and brought us home,” said Charlotte Coach Paul Silas. “He was just great during that stretch. He wanted the ball and he knew he was going to make it. They talk about cream rising to the top and that’s exactly what happened.”

Allen Iverson, who scored a career playoff high 40 points in Game 1, tied his career playoff low with 13 points. It was the first time in Iverson’s 10 playoff games he failed to lead the 76ers in scoring.

“People always want to know did a guy do anything differently when I have a bad shooting night,” Iverson said. “I just missed shots. I missed layups. I missed wide-open shots. I don’t feel like anybody can stop me but myself. Tonight, I did a pretty good job of doing that.”

Charlotte went back to the basics in overtime, using its huge front line of Coleman, Anthony Mason and Elden Campbell to dominate the 76ers. The Hornets made their first six shots and eight of nine in the extra period.

Campbell finished with 20 points and Jones had 19.

“It’s silly to do anything else but go inside,” said Campbell, who was nearly invisible in Game 1, when he went one for four.