Iverson’s Early Return Lifts Philadelphia Over Golden State

Allen Iverson made a surprisingly quick return from a dislocated right shoulder and scored 21 of his 29 points after halftime as the Philadelphia 76ers won their sixth consecutive road game, beating the Golden State Warriors, 118-110, Wednesday night at Oakland.

Jumaine Jones added a career-high 19 as the 76ers, buoyed by Iverson’s unexpected return only five days after incurring an injury expected to keep him out at least two weeks, increased their lead over Charlotte atop the Eastern Conference and improved the NBA’s best road record to 13-4.

“I really, really wanted to play,” Iverson said. “I felt like I wasn’t going to hurt myself any more than I already was. I’ve got a lot of confidence in these guys getting things done without me, but I’d rather see them get it done with me.”

Iverson played 19 minutes in the first half and didn’t appear to be favoring the shoulder. He scored 10 points in the third quarter as the 76ers, who trailed by nine shortly after halftime, made a 13-4 run and pulled even entering the fourth quarter.

Seattle 107, Houston 92--Gary Payton had 26 points and 10 assists and Ruben Patterson contributed 23 points for the SuperSonics at Houston.

Vin Baker scored nine of his 11 points during a 20-11 run to start the third quarter. The Rockets, who shot one-for-13 from three-point range, led until the 9:08 mark of the third.

Miami 91, Indiana 79--Eddie Jones scored 22 points at Miami as the Heat extended its winning streak to three games.

The 79 points were the fewest for the Pacers this season, and the frustration showed as Reggie Miller and Al Harrington were ejected.

A.C. Green scored 15 points for Miami.

New York 89, Washington 82--Latrell Sprewell scored 25 points, Allan Houston had 23, and the Knicks won at Washington, sending the Wizards to another all-time low.

The loss put the Wizards’ record at 5-24, the franchise’s worst this deep into the season. The 1966-67 Baltimore Bullets started 6-23.