Iverson Hopes to Set Example

Allen Iverson scored 42 points against the Clippers in a 108-93 Philadelphia victory Friday night, but the 76er guard had to work for everything he got.

Iverson was impressed with the young Clippers’ fight.

“They are so young, they just got into the league,” Iverson said about the Clippers, who have eight players on their roster with three or less years in the NBA.

“They might be looking at how I’m just being myself and not trying to copy anyone else’s image. I’m my own man, my own person. Maybe that is the way they want to be in their life, instead of coming into the league and letting the media and people around them give them some type of identity, when they already know what type of person they are.”

Jeff McInnis, who along with Keyon Dooling had the difficult job of trying to defend Iverson, said he can see a difference in the 76er all-star.

“I think we could have done a better job on [Iverson] but the refs kind of took me out early when I picked up two quick fouls,” McInnis said. “But he’s the MVP. I think the all-star game [in which Iverson won MVP honors] gave him a lot of confidence.”

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Philadelphia Coach Larry Brown gained his 1,000th professional victory Friday and it came against his former assistant coach at Kansas, Clipper Coach Alvin Gentry.

“I’m happy for Larry, but I wished it didn’t happen against us,” Gentry said. “I think he’s the best coach in the NBA.”

Brown, who has a 1,000-707 record in 22 seasons (four in the ABA and 18 in the NBA), understood the importance of his milestone.

“Not too many people get to be in the league, let alone get to be around as long as I have and have this opportunity,” said Brown, a former Clipper coach. “I said a long time ago that I’m doing exactly what I want to do. I’m pretty fortunate.”

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Following Sunday’s game at New Jersey, the Clippers will conclude their seven-game trip with games next week at Detroit, Cleveland and Chicago.